Nfocus Insider's Guide to Realtors

Insider’s Guide TO REALTORS

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INSIDER’S GUIDE TO REALTORS <<

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Insider’s Guide TO REALTORS

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elcome to the inaugural Insider's Guide to Realtors, produced by your friends at Nfocus! We're taking you inside Nashville's white-hot real estate market and introducing you to the men and women who are making big deals happen across the city.

It's no secret that Nashville has experienced explosive growth in recent years, and given current real estate trends, there are no signs that things are slowing down anytime soon. From luxury high-rise condos to palatial country estates, Middle Tennessee has some of the most in-demand properties for sale in the country. And who better to navigate through the often treacherous world of buying and selling a home than the region's top real estate agents? Get to know some of the city's most successful realtors, how they approach their jobs and what experience they bring to the table in this guide.

A special thank you goes to Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Daniel Meigs, Heather Pierce, Beth Alexander and Jonathan Sims for working hard to make this guide a reality. Our photo shoots took place inside the Grand Hyatt Nashville. Enjoy a peek inside this brand-new hotel, which opened last fall.

Be sure to check out our Homes of Distinction issue of Nfocus — on stands now — for a glimpse at some of the most impressive properties on the market. And keep an eye out for future Insider's Guides from the team at Nfocus. We're always working hard to keep you in the know!

Nancy Floyd Editor-in-Chief, Nfocus

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski Publisher, Nfocus

Editor-in-Chief: Nancy Floyd Managing Editor: Jonathan Sims Writer: Beth Alexander Art Director: Heather Pierce Photographer: Daniel Meigs Publisher: Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski Advertising Solutions Consultants: Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins Location: Grand Hyatt Nashville

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Melanie Shadow Baker Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Email: melanie@melaniebaker.com Cell: 615-300-8155

Melanie Shadow Baker brings a boundless creative spirit to her work. Innately generous and intuitive, her diverse range of real estate experience helps her make the right match for her clients. She loves “seeing a client’s eyes light up like fireworks when they walk into ‘The One’ and getting a spectacular offer that’s beyond the seller’s wildest expectations.” Checking all the boxes on a client’s dream home wish list or earning the payoff from intelligently preparing a home for the market? That’s the reward for both her and her clients.

“With diligence, focus and passion,” she says, “every day is extremely rewarding, personally and professionally.” She loves working with other agents — a big plus in a low-inventory market — and adding to her considerable expertise through education in real estate trends, marketing and negotiating. With more than 20 years in the business, Melanie has a toolbox of solutions for any problems or opportunities that arise. “And they always do.”

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

To maximize your investment, take the time to prep your home for marketing locally and globally on the internet. Get it pre-inspected and make repairs. Basements and crawl spaces here are notorious for water intrusion and mold, which are deal killers. Get your home airtight and ready. Fresh paint, decluttering, staging a room or two along with your realtor and hiring a top-notch professional photographer will set you up for top dollar for your home — or multiple offers. The last thing you want is for your home to go into multiple offers and over asking price, only to have the deal fall through in the home inspection period. And in today’s market, make sure you have or create a home office or “Zoom room.”

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I work like crazy with laser focus. If a problem arises, I have trusted vendors to quickly fix a problem. I believe the adage that you sell/ buy a home three times: when a home goes under contract, during the home inspection period and when the appraisal takes place.

I work hard to make sure all stages are seamless, and I’m always present or directly involved in each stage.

What’s a common mistake people make when it comes to selling/buying a home?

Getting caught up in a “price per square foot” mindset can lead to focusing on purchasing a home with the largest square footage for the least amount of money in a neighborhood that might not have a track record of high resale value. Invest in a neighborhood you love and a home that makes you happy.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

Without a doubt, pricing a home. It’s such a dance. Having a pulse on the current market is crucial and not overpricing it so that it sits on the market for days or months. There are many factors to consider, but I believe slightly underpricing a home will typically create a frenzy for your home, and you’re much more likely to get multiple offers.

What’s your biggest career accomplishment?

My business has always been diverse. I’ve enjoyed representing first-time homebuyers and sellers as much as I have negotiating a luxury property priced at $7.5 million. But my biggest career accomplishment was aligning with Shirley Zeitlin over 20 years ago. I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with Shirley on many transactions. She’s whip smart, and integrity is her steadfast core.

She has the keen ability to quickly establish trust with clients and friends, and she knows the power of long-lasting relationships.

She is my role model.

What’s a success story from the past year that you’re really proud of?

I had clients relocating in from around the country, so we quickly pivoted, since their buy trips were canceled. Instead of in-person tours, we had virtual tours. Four of the homes I sold last year went under contract virtually and sight unseen at the contract stage. All produced very happy transplants to Nashville.

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Shauna Brooks Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Email: shaunabrooksrealestate@gmail.com Cell: 615-347-2550 Office: 615-202-7777

Shauna Brooks, Greater Nashville Realtors (GNAR) Diamond Award winner, bursts with energy and passion for real estate.

She’s business partners with her husband, Shawn Binkley. When I spoke with Shauna, Shawn was driving the family (three sons, two dogs) on vacation, so both of them joined the conversation.

Shauna has been a realtor for 21 years, starting with Christianson Patterson Courtney & Associates, which merged with Zeitlin. But her early career — pre-real estate — informs her work as a successful realtor every day. She spent 10 years as a banker, with an emphasis on individualized service to valued clients, and her first foray into real estate was marketing new construction developments, where she witnessed, firsthand, which homebuilding trends became popular. Today, Shauna and Shawn use her banking acumen, their joint expertise in renovation and their love of design to help clients tweak and market their homes affordably, often positioning a home at a higher price point after its face-lift.

What do you love most about your job?

Clients become friends and, sometimes, family. And working with Shawn, of course. We’ve been real estate partners for 12 years.

What sets you apart from other realtors?

It’s really about constant attention to the clients’ needs and expertise — and doing some mind reading!

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

Be open to doing a little face-lift to make it more buyer-friendly.

That’s where we shine. We take on listings that are a little tired and work within a specific, conservative budget to reframe its look so that it appeals to a wider audience. Shawn and I design and make all the improvements — lighting trends, color, plumbing fixtures. It can really improve the outlook for the house’s sale.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I’m hyper-focused on listening to what they want and understanding what’s going to be the best for them. Having a banking background has also been really helpful. Clients know they don’t have to worry about financial details.

What’s a common mistake people make when it comes to selling/buying a home?

Just stay open to possibilities that you might not even be aware of. I had clients recently who lived in a high-rise apartment in New York. They thought they wanted a big yard with lots of privacy, a

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traditional Southern two-story Colonial. They wanted to make new friends, and I added that their children will also want friends in the neighborhood. They ended up with a big, beefy ranch in the middle of a mature neighborhood in a cul-de-sac. They were making friends there as we were writing the contract! Our job is helping direct the client to what they really want and need. They’re over the moon with the new house.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

Stepping away from it. It never leaves me; I think about it 24 hours a day.

What’s your area of expertise?

With 21 years of experience, I’m still learning something new every day. We move a lot of upmarket, luxury homes and sell a lot of new construction too. So many people are moving into the area, and we were lucky to work with many of them last year.

What’s a success story from the past year that you’re really proud of?

We worked with the owners of a lovely 5,800-square-foot house in 37215, built in the 1980s, with fixtures and décor that was a little dated. After being listed with another agent for six months with no offers, it just needed a little lift. We stepped in and took a few weeks to update it, spending less than $25,000. When it was relisted, we repriced it, recouping the investment and then some.

It went under contract within a week!

Shauna Brooks, Shawn Binkley

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Richard F. Bryan Fridrich & Clark Realty

Email: richardfbryan@gmail.com Cell: 615-533-8353

Richard Bryan finds joy in his work, going above and beyond to find the perfect match between buyers and sellers. Guiding with experience and a wealth of knowledge, Richard is beloved by clients and fellow realtors alike — a statement of high esteem in a highly competitive arena. He’s been in the business for longer than he wants you to know, consistently working at marquee firm Fridrich & Clark with his equally beloved late mother, Vernice, who brought him into the business. Like Vernice, Richard’s sphere of influence is wide and constantly expanding.

Longtime assistant Stephanie Hollis said, “When we lost Vernice last spring, business didn’t slow down. Richard continued to work 10-hour days to be sure each client still received 100 percent of our focus. He has been amazing through this whole year, staying fully focused on client needs, always prepared and ready to deliver for the client. He sets a high standard for his own performance, and I know he learned that from Vernice.”

Richard’s great capacity for empathy smooths the buying and selling process for all parties — in spite of COVID-19 or any other catastrophe — and ensures that they’ll come back to Richard for the next transaction.

What do you love most about your job?

Meeting with clients and helping them either sell or buy a home — or both! Most of my clients become my friends. It’s more than a transaction to me.

What sets you apart from other realtors?

I believe in service, honesty and integrity. It's not just about selling houses but listening and caring about what your clients want.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when buying a home?

Even in this market, there's always another home! It's important for buyers to realize that if you miss out on a particular home, there will always be another one.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

Remember that what's important to you might not be important to a buyer. If you’re selling, try and be objective, even though you have meaningful memories of life in your home.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I strive to work hard for every client by delivering the best service. I educate my clients in the homebuying or selling process and keep them updated throughout the transaction. One creative step we took last year was to purchase one of the first 360-degree cameras so that we could safely take clients on virtual walk-throughs.

What’s one thing everyone should know about the Nashville real estate market?

It's fast and furious! The market is extremely competitive for buyers. Many home sales end up in multiple offers, which makes for some disappointed buyers.

What’s a common mistake people make when it comes to selling/buying a home?

You are not the only one buying or selling. It's a personal transaction, and people can be emotional. Be kind. Remember it could be you on the other side one day.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

Making everyone happy, trying to satisfy everyone's individual needs.

What significant challenge did you overcome last year?

Losing my mother, who was my partner my entire career, was tough last year. People loved her! My greatest concern was making sure the business continued seamlessly in spite of that huge loss. I think she would have been proud of how everyone in the office — which, by that time, had moved to my house — in spite of grieving deeply for her, absolutely persevered and focused on client needs throughout that difficult time. She’s certainly still with me every day.

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Allen DeCuyper Parks Realty

Email: allen@parksathome.com Cell: 615-300-5971

Allen DeCuyper’s face says it all. That smile is focused on you, and he’s ready to get to know you and share some laughter.

Behind that smile is a quick mind that knows that small steps early in the game can affect major outcomes later. His expertise mitigates the stress that often goes with real estate transactions. He educates his clients about the process before each step and works to ensure a smooth and pain-free experience, saving you not only money but also time and emotional energy.

Allen lives in a historic house himself and is quietly active in our community. He works tirelessly in support of PENCIL as a board member and volunteer. Along with raising awareness and support for Metro students, Allen also personally adopts a classroom and sponsors their field trips annually. For his devotion to education, Parks recognized him with a Humanitarian of the Year Award.

What do you love most about your job?

It’s really about the people that I get to work with. I’m so lucky that 80-plus percent of my business is previous clients or referrals from friends, family or clients. I’m also fortunate to have support from other agents, tradespeople, friends and family.

What’s a common mistake people make when it comes to selling/buying a home?

Trusting online evaluations of a home’s value. Let’s be real: An algorithm has never been inside the property or laid eyes on the location.

What sets you apart from other realtors?

There are a lot of terrific realtors in Nashville, so that’s a tough one. Maybe it’s the 30-plus years of experience in buying and selling in the Middle Tennessee market, along with the depth of knowledge, resources and experience that I can bring to the table.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

There’s never enough time. I love working seven days a week and being accessible and responding to my clients, so it’s a balancing act. The good news is it’s gotten easier to take time off and still buy and sell properties while on vacation.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when buying a home?

Location. Quality over quantity. Use a realtor!

What’s your area of expertise?

I started out not necessarily intending to sell real estate. I was interested in renovating historic homes in neighborhoods. Pretty quickly, that morphed into a wide and ever-expanding area of geographic and property experience, from in-town historic neighborhoods to Brentwood, Cool Springs and Franklin; Hendersonville, Gallatin and lake homes; west to Bellevue; and east to Mt. Juliet.

Each area has something special to offer the right buyer.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

The process of preparing their home for sale may require some outside help. I help the sellers make a list of preemptive strikes, as I call them, of maintenance issues, décor [and] landscaping, all in preparation for listing. Think of it as your reality show debut and the first showing is your on-air appearance!

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I have a long-term commitment to my clients to be there as a resource for all things concerning their home, including promoting Nashville and serving as an advocate for their neighborhood.

What’s one thing everyone should know about the Nashville real estate market?

It’s more competitive than I have ever seen in 30 years of real estate. Be patient!

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What’s your biggest career accomplishment?

I have been just so lucky to work with such a diverse and appreciative group of people.

What’s a success story from the past year that you’re really proud of?

I was named top agent for the Green Hills Parks office, and I was No. 2 in production for all of Parks’ agents. It was one of my best years in real estate while navigating COVID restrictions.

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Janet Jones Worth Properties

Email: janetj@worthproperties.com Cell: 615-300-5045

Janet Jones is an icon in Nashville real estate, founding Worth Properties in 2004 after two decades in the real estate business.

Before entering real estate, she spent 10 years teaching business law and accounting. Since then, she has built a formidable reputation, applying a solid grounding in business principles to the process of marketing each property and closing each sale.

Janet has in-depth knowledge of the Nashville and Williamson County real estate markets, especially the high-end luxury market, where her listings have often sold for twice the average home price in the area. She annually sells nearly 1½ times the number of homes as the average agent in the area, and she is known to bring real estate deals to a quick closing. These statistics from HomeLight indicate a familiarity with the upscale market and represent the case of a realtor’s dedication to carving a niche where her expertise runs deep.

What do you love most about your job?

Every day is a new day. I never know what creative opportunities I may have to meet the needs of others, including clients, agents and staff.

What sets you apart from other realtors?

My husband, Ray Tarkington, is a commercial realtor. He’s a dynamo! We can compare notes and attempt to cover what is happening in the current real estate market, both locally and nationally.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when buying a home?

Statistically, the average buyer will live in the same home for approximately seven years. It is very important to consider future family needs, present value, expansion possibilities and location when selecting a home.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

Make necessary repairs and spruce up your yard and landscaping to make your home appealing. It’s about curb appeal! Freshen up the interior and address any deferred maintenance. The potential buyer should be smiling on the front doorsteps and looking back with longing when he’s leaving!

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

Nothing beats listening well and excellent personal attention!

What’s one thing everyone should know about the Nashville real estate market?

The Nashville real estate market is exploding. The residential market is tight, and inventory is low. Be prepared to purchase before you visit homes in person.

What’s a common mistake people make when it comes to selling/buying a home?

They can be unprepared for the emotions and anxiety that may accompany real estate transactions. It is my job as a realtor to inform them up front and help them feel as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

Understanding that you cannot please everyone — hard lesson to learn.

What’s your area of expertise?

I simply go wherever my clients wish!

What’s your biggest career accomplishment?

Starting Worth Properties in 2004. We are approaching 20 years in business with some of the most talented realtors in Nashville.

What’s a success story from the past year that you’re really proud of?

Getting through COVID-19 while continuing to operate a business, thanks to our agents, clients and staff; we never could have succeeded without all of you.

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Lara K. Kirby Kirby Group | Village

Kerrie K. Johnson

Email: larakirbykey@gmail.com Cell: 931-273-5510

Email: kerriekj@comcast.net Cell: 615-969-4186

Kirby Group | Village

Continuing their family’s 50-year legacy of sales in middle Tennessee, sisters Lara K. Kirby and Kerrie K. Johnson have real estate in their blood. Their dad, Homer Kirby Jr., founded Kirby Real Estate in McMinnville, managed today by brother Bobby.

Lara and Kerrie synergistically deploy their combined knowledge, continuing the tradition of successful results, extensive market knowledge and negotiation expertise.

Lara is broker/lead of Kirby Group and a partner with Village Real Estate. She has represented new construction sites and multifamily developments. Representing Eighth South condos, a 52-unit development at the former Colonial Bread location, the dirt-to-finish delivery exceeded sales expectations. Kerrie joined Lara in 2018. Both are active community leaders. Lara guides several HOA boards and supports nonprofits, and Kerrie is devoted to Make-A-Wish, Second Harvest and Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary, among others. Lara and her husband are water enthusiasts with a home at Center Hill Lake. Kerrie and her husband love Old Hickory Lake. Kirby Group | Village exceeded sales of $32 million in 2020.

What do you love most about your job?

We both love helping people find their place. We love cultivating relationships so that our clients can benefit from our experience, commitment, knowledge and loyalty.

What sets you apart from other realtors?

Our sheer tenacity and the in-depth experience we bring to each transaction. Our dynamic market changes daily. We consistently stay on top of fluctuating market trends and sales activity with a constant focus on our clients’ needs.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when buying a home?

Our top advice when buying in the current market is to be ready to act. We conduct home searches numerous times throughout the day, and when we find a fit, we’re ready for creative offer-writing and savvy contract negotiation. Many factors influence a seller.

Price is important, but often, the terms (contingencies, flexible closing, possession dates) are even more critical.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

You only get one chance to make a first impression. We ensure each seller’s home is presented in its best, most desirable condition. When it’s ready to list, our goal is for our sellers to ask, “Why are we selling?” We’re there every step of the way.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

Buyers and sellers have full calendars, even without their real estate transactions. Our group is wired to work practically a 24/7 operation. We realize the flexibility required to accommodate clients, their schedules and the overall demand of the market.

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Availability and accommodation are of utmost importance for our clients. We coordinate everything from cleaning services to plumbers, handymen to electricians — sometimes, even dog walkers. Growing up in the business, we learned early on to roll up our sleeves. We’re there before, during and after the transaction.

We love the behind-the-scenes action and making it fun along the way.

What’s one thing everyone should know about the Nashville real estate market?

It’s on fire. In the past 25 years, the interest rates have never been better and the inventory has never been so scarce. Like most successful agents, we search every day for available properties for our clients.

What’s your area of expertise?

The heart of the Kirby Group business is in Davidson and Williamson Counties, with specialty areas of West End, Belle Meade, Hillwood, West Meade, Oak Hill and Brentwood/Franklin.

It’s rewarding to participate in the growth of smaller communities like Nolensville, Arrington and College Grove. Our specialty niche is the waterfront market. We’re water enthusiasts and represent lake transactions around Old Hickory Lake, Center Hill Lake, Tims Ford Lake and our all-time favorite, Rock Island.

What’s a success story from the past year that you’re really proud of?

Letting the cat out of the bag, the two of us will be securing Nashville’s upcoming luxury condo/townhome development, The Lloyd. This eight-unit low-rise development, located at West End and Leonard Avenue, is designed for those seeking convenient turnkey living with sumptuous designer finishes.

Lara K. Kirby, Kerrie K. Johnson

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Larry Lipman RE/MAX Homes And Estates, Lipman Group Email: lawrence.m.lipman@gmail.com Cell: 615-364-3333 Office: 615-463-3333

When Larry Lipman says he’s available to clients anytime, he means it — wee hours of the morning, weekends, holidays, even family time. He’s probably already taking care of a client or negotiating a deal, but give him five minutes and your phone will be ringing. From the initial call, Larry is attentive to all parties in the homebuying process. With decades of success in real estate, he has a keen eye for what will work for a buyer’s needs and lifestyle, as well as insight into the value of a home and how to make the most of its assets for a seller. It’s a gift inside the special relationship with every client.

A multigenerational Nashvillian, Larry’s expertise in negotiating maximizes every client’s investment, for buyers and sellers. You can trust his instincts for knowing the market, because what works this week might not work next week. Out-oftown buyers? Oh, yes, he has them and intuits exactly what they need. The magic is that Larry doesn’t push, but his gifts of persuasion and reason as he shares market information give clients the ability to make the best choice quickly in the current high-pressure real estate market.

What do you love about your job?

I love making lasting relationships with my clients, and I am passionate about the entire home purchase and selling process. It’s also a privilege to share market information so that my client has an edge when entering the market to buy or sell. Seeing them learn about options opens their eyes to possibilities.

What sets you apart from other realtors?

I am an active listener, and I genuinely care about making sure my client’s real estate transaction goes smoothly.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when buying a home?

The first thing to be sure of is that they are qualified to purchase the home. Other important aspects to consider are making sure the home is of a certain quality and that it has the appeal to be resold in the future.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

Pricing, decluttering and staging. We can help with that process.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I’m available at all times (day or night). It is so fulfilling to be able to help and advise — and often anticipate problems that can be avoided.

What’s the one thing everyone should know about the Nashville real estate market?

In today’s market, if you see something that you like and can afford, you need to act quickly.

What’s a common mistake people make when it comes to selling/buying a home?

Pricing and not wanting to counter in order to see where things end up. If you don’t counter, then the deal can die right there. I recommend countering with some offer, just to see if the other party will counter back and keep the conversation going — to see whether they can meet somewhere.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

In today’s market, with historically low inventory, seeking creative ways to find properties for my clients can be one of the hardest things. Going the extra mile, often finding properties that are unlisted, where the owner might be willing to sell for the right price. There’s a sixth sense to being able to anticipate when someone might want to make a move.

What’s your area of expertise?

I have 33 years of listening to clients and creating relationships, plus the ability to weave a compelling scenario when negotiating.

What’s your biggest career accomplishment?

Developing a solid reputation for dependability, creative problemsolving, keen negotiation abilities and tireless resourcefulness.

What’s a success story from the past year?

Having a buyer and seller buy each other’s homes. This was the second time in my career that has happened! In this case, my buyer loved another house, and it turned out that the people who owned that house came to look at my buyers’ house and loved it.

We ended up putting two deals together and all parties were very happy. I held my breath until closing.

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Michelle Maldonado Compass RE

Email: michelle.maldonado@me.com Cell: 615-260-4423

Michelle Maldonado’s real estate career began with the Midtown high-rise The Adelicia, and it has skyrocketed since then.

She’s whip smart, endlessly creative and quick to come up with an individualized strategy to sell your home or find one for you.

She and her partner, Amanda Gleaton, pride themselves on responsiveness throughout the homebuying and selling process, encouraging candor with clients. “Clear, constant, timely communication is essential,” Michelle says. “This can be nerveracking, and we want to position our clients to be informed every step of the way.”

Michelle’s irrepressible, high-energy style is immediately engaging and jumpstarts the process of moving your home quickly or finding you the home not only that you dream of, but one that fits your needs and your lifestyle. Michelle’s infectious spirit and empathic listening skills justifiably earn her her clients’ trust; her experience and relentless pursuit of their goals earn her return customers.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when buying a home?

Buyers need to define what’s most important. There’s usually one guiding factor, whether it’s financial security, a big yard, a home office, a particular neighborhood or a specific design aesthetic.

Pinpointing that driving factor is key.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

Try to see their home with fresh eyes. We get used to things in our homes, whether it’s the weekend project we keep putting off or the small piles we’ve grown used to. The buyer needs to see the home’s beauty. We love helping our clients prioritize and bring the most stunning version of their home to market.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

That’s different for every client. For some, it means running out to see homes as soon as they hit the market so they don’t have to; for others, it means helping them stage and declutter. We also know the clients who work crazy hours and need us to answer our phones late at night. We try to know our clients and their challenges and share some of that burden with them.

What’s one thing everyone should know about the Nashville real estate market?

It’s the Wild West right now. The word is out about Nashville. If you have ever considered selling, now’s the time. If you are inter-

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ested in buying, let’s do it. Put your running shoes on, and we’ll run right beside you. It’s a great time to own a home in Nashville!

What’s your area of expertise?

I love homes with character — homes that tell a story or transport you in some way. Great, unique, beautifully designed homes can come in any price point, any neighborhood and be from any era.

I would say matching unique homes to their perfect buyer is my area of expertise. Envisioning who our buyer is likely to be, creating a compelling story and finding a way to reach them. When we can do that, it’s magic.

What’s your biggest career accomplishment?

Probably the fact that I’m still doing this after 16 years! When we wrapped up Adelicia sales in 2008, it was the Great Recession, but I thought if I can make it now, I can make it anytime. Best gamble I ever made.

What’s a success story from the past year that you’re really proud of?

We had a seller who was relocating and needed to sell but wanted the flexibility of staying in their home for a few months. We had a buyer who needed to sell their home before they could upgrade to their next home. We put the two together, giving the seller time they needed in their home and giving the buyer time to sell their home. It was a win-win that made everyone smile. That’s the best!

Amanda Gleaton, Michelle Maldonado

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Beth Molteni Fridrich & Clark Realty

Email: beth@bethmolteni.com Cell: 615-566-1610

When Beth Molteni talks about her career in real estate, you hear passion. She relishes every aspect of buying and selling, gleaning data from every encounter. “I feel personally responsible for each step because I think it’s important to be with buyers when they see a house or [to] be at the house representing sellers at showings when at all possible,” she says. “Being personally involved, from start to finish, helps me stay on top of market fluctuations and deepens my understanding for buyers’ preferences. It’s vital in negotiating contracts when the time comes.”

Thriving throughout economic turns, Beth has facilitated sales of luxury condos in the city to bucolic country farms. Her current properties include Thistletop, formerly a bed-and-breakfast in Goodlettsville; a Murfreesboro horse farm; and The Manning, a luxury condominium development in Belle Meade. Because many clients find Beth via word-of-mouth recommendations, much of her daily business consists of single-family homes within a 15- to 20-mile radius of her Green Hills home.

What do you love most about your job?

Helping people find their happy place. I love sharing the search for that perfect home, and if it isn’t perfect, I love the creative challenge of coming up with a way to make it just right. We may work together for months or years, but it gives me more opportunity to really get to know them and their families.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when buying a home?

That depends on how long they plan to live there. I always look at a home in terms of resale. I voice my concerns about any difficult issues on the front end to avoid complications when they come back to me to resell. You can update the house, but you cannot change the lot, topography [or] location. Of course, no home is perfect, so determine your priorities and check those boxes off first.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

Sellers should try to see their house through the eyes of others.

Simplify. Make it look as close to a model home as possible. A home needs to look its best for photos. Also, remember that both sides need to feel like a winner, and know [that] there will be some give and take in every successful real estate transaction.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I work every day and try to make myself readily available. With a background in marketing and advertising, I invest a great deal in advertising and marketing my listings in various media. I am constantly networking with friends and other realtors to find properties that may be coming available and to identify buyers for my listings.

What’s one thing everyone should know about the Nashville real estate market?

With the current lack of inventory, it is more important now than ever before that they have experienced and dedicated representation.

What’s a common mistake people make when it comes to selling/buying a home?

Sometimes, emotions get in the way, and they fail to put themselves in the other person’s shoes.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

It’s really hard to leave work at the office. I’m grateful for patient family and friends who continue to show me grace and understanding for often running late to dinner, taking after-hours phone calls and working during family vacations.

What’s your biggest career accomplishment?

Being named National Marketing Director of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders in 1994 and the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Award for being both the top listing and selling realtor in 2008. But the most rewarding parts of my career are the referrals and repeat clients that I get each year.

What’s a success story from the past year that you’re really proud of?

With so many people unable to go to work in 2020, I’m grateful that real estate was declared an essential service, and I was able to get creative to help people buy and sell during the pandemic.

INSIDER’S GUIDE TO REALTORS <<

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Ivy Arnold Vick Parks Realty

Email: ivy@nashvilledigs.com Cell: 615-485-0963 Office: 615-522-5100

Nashvillian Ivy Arnold Vick has been helping Music City buy and sell homes for 19 years. She is consistently voted by readers of the Nashville Scene as Nashville’s No. 1 real estate agent and has reached nearly one billion dollars in closed transactions.

Savvy and competitive, she’s one of the top-producing residential real estate agents in the country.

With degrees in music business and marketing, Ivy’s connections help buyers and sellers. One client wrote, “Her network is impressive and useful.” Marketing expertise has helped Ivy pre-sell many homes through a marketing plan she developed over years in the field.

Her experience and persistence facilitate deals from start to finish. A bonus: She manages dozens of design details for her builders and buyers. Her tenacity and nonstop diligence moves homes quickly. As for buying, no matter what price point or neighborhood you’re eyeing, Ivy will introduce you to the best of Nashville. As another client said, “Ivy eats, sleeps and breathes real estate!”

What do you love most about your job?

Becoming friends with clients and watching their families grow.

Helping my clients find the perfect home is pure joy.

What sets you apart from other realtors?

My relationships with realtors and bankers ensure that the closing process is as seamless as possible. Honestly, the friends I’ve made over the years help my clients get homes before they hit the market.

What’s the most important thing people should consider when selling a home?

Pricing the home correctly is critical. Your house should look perfect for any buyer. I hold large broker open houses with DJs, catered menus and flowers. I invite a huge database of realtors, friends, buyers and sellers. Strategies like this bring in the highest price per foot across Nashville.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

I make sure their transaction goes as smoothly as possible. I work seven days a week. Even on vacation, I’m helping sell a house or finding my clients the perfect home. They know I’m here for them.

What’s one thing everyone should know about the Nashville real estate market?

This market is more competitive than ever. It’s crucial to be creative in order to secure contracts. Last weekend, I wrote 15 contracts and contracted over $6.8 million. Only seven were accepted — two that we lost offered more than $100,000 over asking price!

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>> INSIDER’S GUIDE TO REALTORS

What’s a common mistake people make when it comes to selling/buying a home?

Some clients want to under- or overprice their homes. Listen to the advice of experienced agents. We know the market and can coach you in the right direction. Make sure you price the home correctly and have it ready to show.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

I love representing everything from a multimillion-dollar home to a first-time homebuyer. It is so hard to see a client lose a home because there are 15 offers in and they don’t understand our market. It also hurts when a client moves away, because they have become such amazing friends and they’re sad to leave their beloved home.

What’s your area of expertise?

All over greater Davidson County. I live in Hillsboro Village/Belmont.

I work with five large builders and help with the selections for the new homes. Gabe Nies and I sold 35 homes for a builder and selected everything from the gutters to paint colors and marble slabs to toilets. Every day, we see what people want, so our houses sell faster than 98 percent of new homes. Instead of a builder selecting finishes, we handle everything. Our numbers speak.

What’s a success story from the past year that you’re really proud of?

It’s an honor to be recognized by RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals as the No. 11 Realtor in America in sales volume! Nearly 14,500 U.S. real estate professionals representing every state are included in America’s Best. Those ranked are in the top one-half of one percent of 1.4 million licensed real estate professionals in the United States.

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