Broker in Charge
Sandy & Emmett Walsh, Allied Coastal Homes
Rising Star
Lucy Miles, eAgent Gulf Coast
Partner Spotlight
Matthew Williams, Secret Coast Security
Mandy Merritt
Preferred Partners
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CHURCH - NONDENOMINATIONAL
Mosaic Church (228) 875-3500
mosaicgc.com
CLOSING LAW FIRM
Coast Title Company (228) 334-5122 sullivanlawfirmpllc.com
Page, Mannino, Peresich & McDermott, P.L.L.C. (228) 374-2100 pmp.org
SOJ Law
Mark Orgler (228) 832-8550 1226 Hwy. 49 Gulfport, MS 39503 sojlaw.net
CUSTOM COUNTERS & STONE WORK
The Top Shop (228) 863-5084 topshopgulfport.com
INSURANCE AGENCY
Fassbender Insurance, Inc. (228) 265-5885 fassbenderinsurance.com
Goosehead Insurance
- Bill Knox Agency (228) 207-5000 goosehead.com
Mac’s Coastal Insurance, LLC (228) 364-6667 macscoastal.com
United Risk Insurance Agency, Inc.
Cale Merrill (228) 206-3853 2137 E Pass Road, Ste E Gulfport, MS 39507 unitedriskins.com
MORTGAGE LENDER
Community Bank (769) 777-6092 Communitybank.net
PHOTOGRAPHY
AK Stokes Photography, LLC (601) 270-8298 akstokesphotography.my pixieset.com
REAL ESTATE ORGANIZATIONS
eAgent (228) 400-9215 eAgent.com
GCAR (228) 896-3122 gcarealtors.com
ROOFING & ROOF REPAIR
Strong Roofing (228) 313-3997 strongroofs.com
SECURITY / AUTOMATION
Secret Coast Security (228) 215-1345 getsecretcoast.com
SIGNS, BANNERS & PRINTING
Magnolia Printing (228) 864-4401 magnoliaprinting.com
SUPPORTING BROKERS
Ashman-Mollere Realty, Inc. (228) 216-7864 ashman-mollere.com
Coastal Realty Group (228) 234-2121 coastalrealtygroup.com
TERMITE & PEST CONTROL
Vector Pest Solutions (228) 346-4451 vectorpestsolutions.com
TERMITE INSPECTION
A & M Pest Management (228) 382-0477 www.ampestmanagement.net
Meet The Team
Have
an Idea?
Robert Orso Publisher/Owner
Dave Danielson Writer Cheri Robertson Social Media Manager Christina Kitchen Ad Strategist
Rebecca Wilson Writer Jess Wellar Writer
Yvonne & Carl Fallo Photographers
Anna Kathryn Stokes Photography
Sandy Walsh Emmett
A Match Made In Heaven
BY JESS WELLAR • PHOTOS BY ANNA KAY STOKES, AK STOKES PHOTOGRAPHY
“To God be the glory! Every positive trait that we both live by in our personal and professional lives comes from the original teacher, mentor, and example that we studied as children,” Sandy Walsh begins. “We are not perfect and make mistakes like anyone, but strive to make appropriate corrections and build upon those experiences to fulfill our service to others.”
That’s the heartbeat behind Allied Realty Coastal Homes, a Waveland-based boutique brokerage led by husband-andwife broker-owners Emmett and Sandy Walsh. Together, they’ve crafted a peoplefirst, purpose-driven real estate business that has carved out a strong presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in record time. Allied Realty Coastal Homes closed out 2024 with $22 million in sales across 65 transactions — and it’s only year two.
“We will definitely be exceeding last year’s production,” Emmett emphasizes. “In January 2024, it was just us and one part-time agent, and we’ve grown considerably since then. This February, we were ranked in the top 17 agencies by volume in GCAR for the month. Our volume goal for 2025 is over $40 million.”
Putting Down Roots
Sandy was the first to make the leap into real estate. A former social worker with the state of Georgia, she had never considered that career path until her own Realtor, Jennifer Schmidt, planted the seed.
“We closed on our home June 2, and I started real estate school on June 5 in 2017,” she recalls.
The Walshes had relocated to the Gulf Coast, seeking a place to plant roots and call home. Emmett’s career as a regional sales manager kept him on the road for several years. “People didn’t even think I existed,” he jokes.
But when the world shut down in 2020, Emmett saw a chance to reinvent himself. “Sandy and I always worked great together in other jobs before.
“REAL ESTATE WAS MY WORLD. I KNOW IT WAS SELFISH OF ME, BUT I REALLY DIDN’T WANT TO SHARE THAT WITH HIM AT FIRST. BUT FINALLY, I GAVE IN!”
When I managed an independent Ace hardware store, she had filled in for my secretary on maternity leave and it went well. So I decided to get my license and help Sandy during the real estate boom,” he explains.
That transition led to Emmett obtaining his broker’s license in early 2022, then partnering with their former and mentoring broker, Thad McIntyre, to open a satellite office before ultimately launching Allied Realty Coastal Homes with Sandy in 2023.
Although Sandy admits she originally considered real estate “her thing,” she eventually relented and let Emmett join her during the pandemic boom.
“Real estate was my world,” she chuckles. “I know it was selfish of me, but I really didn’t want to share that with him at first. But finally, I gave in!”
Where Boutique Means Business If you’re looking for a high-volume, highpressure office with plenty of drama, Allied Realty Coastal Homes isn’t it. The word “allied” isn’t just a name either; Sandy quickly points out it’s their mission statement to “work together as allies.”
“We’re also very accommodating to the needs of the buyer and the seller because we don’t have that stigma of red tape,” she points out. “We realize everyone has different needs, so we make it easier. This approach works well for our agents, too, since we each have our different personalities.”
With three full-time and three parttime agents currently under their
supervision, the couple is growing strategically and selectively.
“As much as we want professionals, we also want that chemistry that is so important,” Emmett elaborates. “We are a family-driven organization that loves what we do, love whom we do it with, and thrive on being a small shop with a high-quality product.”
Emmett is also quick to point out his wife has been the number-one producing agent in the office since day one.
“Sandy’s our boots on the ground and building the business outside,” Emmett elaborates. “I streamline the business on the inside.”
And for anyone following in their footsteps? Sandy keeps it simple: “Always be yourself and follow through with what you say you will do. If you don’t know the answer, don’t make something up. And never assume.”
Emmett nods his head in agreement: “Work and study hard, pay attention and listen more than you speak, and always handle clients in a spirit of empathy,” he adds.
Not Just Another House Tour
Part of what sets Allied Realty Coastal Homes apart is the personalized experience they provide, especially for their waterfront clients.
“We list a lot of waterfront properties, so we recently added a boat that we named ‘Under Contract’ so we can provide waterfront property boat tours,” Sandy smiles. “We take clients around to show them the view of their potential properties from the boat.”
And of course, the boat comes with a nice perk.
“The boat we selected in particular has a nice bar on it to sit and sign contracts,” Emmett shares.
Coast, but make no mistake—their faith and family are at the center of it all.
“Sandy and I are both from a small town in Georgia. We met at a small-town church that our families attended,” Emmett recalls. “I came back from serving in the US Army in Korea and we met on a Sunday afternoon when I went to see the new choir director perform.”
Now married and settled on the coast, they love getting together with their blended family in Georgia and Texas — Dillon (31), Will (30), and Sabrina (27) — and eight grandchildren. Their maltipoo, Jazz, rounds out their lively brood.
Sandy is also no stranger to going all in when it comes to community connections and setting audacious goals for herself. She’s currently training for
her first body competition in mid-June and is a Maid in the Nereids all-female Mardi Gras Krewe, in addition to serving on the board of the Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse and staying active with the Ladies Auxiliary at the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club.
Off the clock, the Walshes enjoy boating, hosting friends, singing karaoke at Rags to Riches, and evenings with their self-proclaimed “Hinge Mafia” crew. But most of all, they enjoy building something meaningful together.
A Marriage Built On Faith
They may be running one of the fastestgrowing boutique brokerages on the Gulf
“We want to continue to build a successful business that allows us to continue to serve more and more families,” Sandy concludes. “We never cease to be amazed by the outpouring of support we have from friends and clientele to continue and grow what we do.” For questions or comments about this article, contact Sandy & Emmett at (912) 218-4702 or bayliferealtor@gmail.com
Miles
eAgent Gulf Coast, Miles To Adventure
Traveling The World
BY REBECCA WILSON
PHOTOS BY TRAVIS TANK
With a name like Lucy Miles, a life filled with extensive travel almost seems inevitable.
Originally from South Africa, Lucy’s family moved to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates when she was 15 years old. “My dad was a doctor there for the ruling Sheikh of the country. It was an incredible and life-changing experience,” she reminisced.
After graduating from the American International School of Abu Dhabi, Lucy moved to the United Kingdom to study Tourism Management at Leeds Metropolitan University.
At 21, Lucy continued her travels by moving to London, where she lived for five years. “My first job was as a sales associate for Ralph Lauren. From there, I transitioned into corporate banking, working in syndicated finance as a personal assistant to the managing director,” she explained.
Then, at 26, Lucy’s internal compass pointed her to a new adventure: taking a sailing course and relocating to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to work on a private yacht. After five years on board, Lucy worked her way up to the Interior Manager/Chief Stewardess position.
“I’ve traveled extensively across the East Coast of America—from Florida up to Canada—as well as throughout the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central America, and the Mediterranean,” Lucy described. “I even have two Atlantic crossings under my belt.”
From Passports To Properties
In 2012, Lucy moved to Gulfport, where she began working remotely as a customer service manager for an online health and fitness company.
eAgent. It is here that Lucy found her tribe amongst other hardworking and motivated professionals.
“After COVID, the online health and fitness company started to slow down, and I wasn’t making enough money,” she shared. “I needed more financial stability. My close friend, who has been in real estate for 10 years, told me I’d be a great fit for it.”
Having never considered a career in real estate, the opportunity sparked Lucy’s interest—and she was more than ready for the challenge. “I’ve always worked in customer service, so it’s something that comes naturally to me,” admitted Lucy. “People energize me, and I enjoy the interaction.”
Shortly after becoming licensed, Lucy joined eAgent Gulf Coast in the spring of 2023—A brokerage on the rise that would go on to earn an award for Highest Volume in 2024 across all of
In 2023—her first full year in real estate—Lucy was awarded Rookie of the Year at the eAgent Awards Gala, along with one of the awards for Top Producer. That same year, she closed 26 transactions, totaling $4.3 million in volume. “Last year, in 2024, I beat that by just a smidge, and closed 29 transactions totaling $4.4 million,” she shared happily. Lucy is already on track to reach $6 million in volume for 2025.
Despite her impressive numbers, Lucy sees success through a different lens. “Success comes in many forms,” she said. “It’s knowledge, experience, and hard work.” But for Lucy, her greatest success is not found in awards or sales figures. “I define my greatest success as my family—my husband and two children. They are my why, and the fuel that keeps me going. They are what I am most proud of,” she shared.
To Lucy, the most fulfilling part of her real estate career is working closely with her clients. “Everyone is different and unique. We all come from different walks of life, and I love learning about my clients and their stories,” she explained.
“Buying a property is the biggest investment most people will make in their lifetime,” she added. “I work with a lot of first-time homebuyers, and I feel fortunate to be the one guiding them on that journey, with all its ups and downs.”
Although a career in real estate often means working long hours—sometimes seven days a week, 365 days a year—and many personal sacrifices, Lucy believes the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
“Being able to hand my clients the keys to their new home at closing makes it all worth it,” she beamed.
Lucy also appreciates working for a brokerage that stands out among others. “eAgent is in a league of its own. It has set itself apart from other brokerages and created something incredible. They allow agents to easily open up their own brokerage under the eAgent brand,” explained Lucy. “This is not offered by other brokerages,” she reiterated.
She explained that eAgent, as a whole, is a team. “All the brokerages work together. We train together and learn together. Our knowledge and experience are shared,” she added.
Lucy even shared some of her own knowledge for any aspiring top producers. “Never say no,” she expressed.
“I never want to miss any opportunity. I do sacrifice a lot of family time for my work, but I am learning how to balance the two,” admitted Lucy. “You get out what you put in, and I enjoy the hustle that comes with the job. I’m always up for a challenge.”
The Road Ahead
In addition to balancing her career in real estate, Lucy loves spending time with her husband, Edward, who separated from the Air Force earlier this year, and their sons, Jack (10) and Charlie
(1). “Even with a newborn last year and my husband deployed overseas, I still worked my tail off,” Lucy said jokingly. She also enjoys spending time with their two rescue animals: a dog named George and a cat named Candycane.
When not working, some of Lucy’s favorite hobbies are paddle boarding with her husband while exploring interesting rivers, creeks, and bayous. “We also love paddle boarding the natural springs in Florida with the manatees,” she shared. “The kids love it too.” The family also enjoys savoring the Gulf Coast’s delicious cuisine, as dining out together is one of their favorite pastimes.
In the future, Lucy plans to open her own eAgent brokerage with her husband. “He’s getting into real estate and property management,” Lucy shared. “At some point soon, I will take my broker’s exam and take my career to the next level through the help and guidance of eAgent.” Lucy is looking forward to growing her business long-term and creating lasting friendships with her clients.
“I could not do this job without the love, understanding, patience, and support of my husband,” admitted Lucy. “He is my biggest fan and has always believed in me. He’s the most amazing husband and father, always putting himself second to
take care of the kids when I’m working late and on weekends.”
“Also, I want to give a big shoutout to my broker, Brad Keesee. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and answers all my calls (sometimes five calls a day). He is a great motivator and mentor to our team, and invests so much of himself into every one of us so we can all succeed. He’s not just a boss, but a great friend too,” Lucy added.
“I love living here in Gulfport and being part of this growing community. I have made some incredible friends over the years, and I have the best ‘mom village. I enjoy coastal living and being able to raise our kids here,” she explained.
After years of traveling the world and finding her way to the Gulf Coast, Lucy has realized that there is no greater adventure than helping her clients find a place to call home.
For questions or comments about this article, contact Lucy at (228) 243-7887 or lucymilesrealtor@gmail.com CONTACT US!
You get out what you put in, and I enjoy the hustle that comes with the job. I’m always up for a challenge.”
MandyMERRITT
Rising Above CENTURY 21 BUSCH REALTY GROUP
The Sky’s The Limit
BY REBECCA WILSON • PHOTOS BY ANNA KAY STOKES, AK STOKES PHOTOGRAPHY
Upon graduating from Holmes Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi with multiple degrees in architectural engineering, Mandy Merritt began a notable career—first as a professor at USM, then in drafting, design, 3D modeling, and marketing at Eley Associates Architects, and later as a visualization specialist/3D modeling graphic artist at NASA Stennis Space Center.
However, when the entire team at Stennis Space Center was laid off due to budget cuts in September 2011, Mandy was forced to pivot and find a new career. “There were, unfortunately, no comparable jobs in the state at that time,” she ruminated.
The adversity did not stop there, though. After nearly three years of attempting to secure full-time employment, Mandy found herself continuously ending up in the same situation. “I had repeatedly been turned down for jobs because I was labeled as ‘overqualified,’ and the frustration from that was mounting,” she recalled. “I had been helping friends with admin work and part-time jobs here and there in New Orleans, but I very much desired to be back in the fulltime work force.”
One thing I learned through that whole experience is that God always provides.”
So, Mandy made the decision to give real estate a try, despite the opposition she felt from so many people who cautioned her against it. “Many told me, ‘You understand that is a 0 base pay, 100% commission sales job with no benefits, right?’ It was a huge risk because money was very limited at the time,” she shared.
Although losing her job at Stennis Space Center was an undeniably challenging moment in her life, Mandy chose to rise above, demonstrating resilience and maintaining a positive ‘can-do’ attitude. “One thing I learned through that whole experience is that God always provides,” she proclaimed.
Sky-High Achievements
“Adversity brought me to real estate,” exclaimed Mandy as she reflected on her past career challenges.
When Mandy started her real estate career in 2014, her initial plans were to pursue it part-time, but within just six months, it turned into an all-in, full-time career driven by a ‘sink or swim’ mentality. In 2015, she joined the CENTURY 21 Busch Realty Group family, and her ‘sink or swim’ mindset has allowed her career to soar to new heights.
For example, Mandy’s success in 2023 was nothing short of stellar, with 40 transactions that totaled $10 million in closed sales. With $3.2 million currently under contract for 2025, she is still aiming high and is on course to reach $10-12 million by the end of the year.
2023 also ended on a high note for Mandy when she finished the year as CENTURY 21 Busch Realty Group’s Top Agent. Currently, she is soaring in the #1 spot under contract for the first quarter of 2025. Also in 2023, she earned numerous accolades from CENTURY 21 Busch Realty Group, including the Titanium Award for top sales, the Quality Service Award, and the Masters Emerald Award. She also received the Sapphire Award from BOSAR.
Mandy credits her success to all the mentors she has had along the way.
“I am so thankful to have had great mentors in my past and present who always keep me in line and encourage me during tough times,” she said humbly.
“I also work at an amazing brokerage with a stellar broker who really puts the agents’ and clients’ needs first,” said Mandy. “I often call her superwoman
For me, success is living a happy life, treating others how I would want to be treated, and leaving everyone feeling better at the end of the day.”
because I don’t know how she manages to be so amazing at everything, including her friendships. We are truly blessed to have her leading our team and in our corner.”
“Success in sales is not transactional, especially in this business,” she explained. “It’s about relationships. It’s about taking excellent care of your clients and treating them like family.” She elaborated by sharing that success is about working hard, not giving up, and going the extra mile to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
“Sometimes, it’s not taking no for an answer to ensure everything works out for your clients and persevering until you speak to the right person to get things done,” she added.
Mandy also stresses the importance of ‘having the hard conversations that get you from point A to point B.’
“Success is not defined by a position in the company or by top sales volume. For me, success is living a happy life, treating others how I would want to be treated, and leaving everyone feeling better at the end of the day,” Mandy concluded.
Shooting For The Stars
What Mandy finds most fulfilling about her real estate career is helping others and the relationships she has built along the way. She said, “There’s nothing better than having a first-time investor tell me, ‘You gave me the courage to change my life,’ or a firsttime home buyer say, ‘I grew up in foster care, and you helped me achieve my lifelong dream of finally being able to call a place home.’”
“Realtors get a bad rap sometimes,” she explained. “If people knew how much the good ones actually care and how hard we work, they’d understand it’s very subjective to the person/people you choose to walk down that path with you.”
Mandy has gained valuable insights throughout her career, equipping her with plenty of advice for aspiring top producers.
She says to focus on the person in front of you and never look at anyone like they are just a number or a transaction.
“Take it one day at a time and one step at a time. Don’t let the stress level overtake or overwhelm you,” she added.
Mandy also suggests that you focus on what you can do right now and always follow through.
One of the most important things she says you can do is to learn how to budget your money since your success in the real estate industry will fluctuate.
“There are no guarantees in the business, so be thankful for every good year you have because it can change in an instant,” she emphasized.
She also says to appreciate every good experience and learn from every bad one. “It’s not an easy business, so appreciate those people around you who have been in the business longer and can offer you advice,” she elaborated. “They were once where you are now, and it took diligence and hard work for them to get to where they are today.”
Another important point Mandy emphasizes is that this industry is not just about building relationships with clients but also about building strong relationships with other agents. “We should all be working together with a common goal instead of working against each other. Let’s all give each other grace and try to focus on the task at hand, rather than letting personal feelings or conflicts get in the way of helping your clients achieve their goals,” she said.
Ultimately, Mandy says not to give up when life seems to keep dealing you a bad hand. “Tomorrow is always a new day,” she said. “I pray and involve God in almost everything I do, and that tends to help things go a lot more smoothly in life. I believe in praying for my clients and for the entire process to work out in a way that is best for them.”
Soaring In Life
When not working, Mandy enjoys spending time outdoors, like taking
a beachside stroll to clear her mind. “Traveling is one of my favorite things to do when I can fit it into my schedule,” she said.
Mandy also enjoys spending time with her two Yorkies, Buddy and Lexi. “I don’t have children, so they’re definitely more like kids to me than pets,” she admitted.
In the future, Mandy aspires to have a successful 2025 season and help as many people as possible achieve their real estate goals. “We also have a Cabo Top Producer trip in 2026 for the company, based on our 2025 successes, and I’d love to be there for that,” she said excitedly. “Those trips are always so special, and the bonds we create with our co-workers and friends there are truly amazing.” She also hopes to learn more about commercial real estate and become involved in that field.
“Personally, I feel like helping people in real estate has given me some sort of purpose, but eventually, I’d like to take that further in some way. People have always found it easy to open up to me, and I enjoy being a supportive friend and trying to help others,” shared Mandy. “I wouldn’t mind doing some type of motivational speaking or creating content that could help others deal better with whatever they’re going through in life.”
With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passion for helping others, Mandy’s journey in real estate is just getting started—proof that with the right mindset, the sky’s the limit.
CONTACT US!
For questions or comments about this article, contact Mandy at (228) 697-2397 or mandyfmerritt@gmail.com
MATTHEW
SECRET COAST
SECURITY
WILLIAMS
In a world where security often feels uncertain, one local entrepreneur is combining decades of family legacy with cutting-edge technology to help people feel safe and supported in their homes and businesses. Matthew Williams, owner of Secret Coast Security, isn’t just in the business of alarms and cameras—he’s in the business of peace of mind.
A Family Legacy in Security
Matthew is a third-generation security professional whose passion for protecting others runs deep in his DNA. “My grandfather started a security company back in the 1970s,” he explains. “My dad worked with him for a while and later partnered with another professional in the industry. I joined them in 2007, and after 15 years of learning and growing in the field, I decided it was time to branch out and build something of my own.” In 2022, Secret Coast Security was born.
But this wasn’t just a business venture— it was a mission. “When I started the company, I wanted to do it right,” Matthew says. “That meant putting the customer first, delivering the best service, and making security something people could actually rely on. My entire philosophy is about taking care of people.”
Smart Solutions for Modern Life
And he’s doing just that. Secret Coast Security offers a full range of residential and commercial protection solutions, from standard alarm systems to advanced, AI-powered security cameras.
“We offer fully monitored security systems and camera surveillance,” Matthew explains. “But we’ve also integrated smart home features to make people’s lives more efficient and safer. Our systems can manage thermostats,
PEACE OF MIND WITH INNOVATION
BY DAVE DANIELSON • PHOTOS BY ANNA KAY STOKES, AK STOKES PHOTOGRAPHY
turn on lights, unlock doors—especially helpful in emergencies like fires.”
The Secret Coast Difference: Lifetime Warranty
What sets Secret Coast Security apart isn’t just its technology. It’s the way Matthew does business—with transparency, integrity, and a personal touch that’s becoming increasingly rare in the tech-driven world. “When someone calls or reaches out, I personally schedule a time to visit their home or business,” he says. “We sit down, talk through their needs, and I custom-build a system that fits their goals. No one-size-fits-all packages. Just real solutions for real people.”
We do it differently. If you trust us with your safety, we’ll stand by that system for the life of it.”
That level of attention to detail and care extends beyond installation. Every system Secret Coast Security provides is backed by a lifetime equipment warranty, a bold promise that reflects Matthew’s commitment to his customers. “Most companies will give you a few years of coverage and then charge for every little thing,” he says. “We do it differently. If you trust us with your safety, we’ll stand by that system for the life of it.”
Built on Relationships, Not Just Transactions
This kind of service isn’t just about transactions—it’s about relationships.
“I always want my customers to have a fantastic experience,” Matthew says. “I genuinely care. I want to
do right by them to the best of my ability. Whether it’s protecting their home, their business, or just helping them sleep better at night, I take that responsibility seriously.”
Entrepreneurship in the Blood
Behind the success of Secret Coast Security is the quiet confidence of a man who grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. “When you grow up that way, you learn early on to do things the right way,” Matthew reflects. “It’s about integrity, consistency, and never cutting corners.”
Life Beyond the Business
When he’s not working, Matthew enjoys the things that bring joy and connection—cooking, baking, attending concerts, and comedy shows. “I like creating things, whether it’s a new recipe or a new security system. There’s a kind of creativity in both,” he says with a smile.
Looking to the Future
As more homeowners and business leaders on the Mississippi Gulf Coast turn to smarter, more integrated security solutions, Matthew and his team at Secret Coast Security are poised to meet the moment. Combining oldschool customer service with stateof-the-art technology, they’re helping people protect what matters most—and feel good about it.
“I love what I do,” Matthew says. “Most of the time, people don’t buy a security system because they want one. They buy it because they want peace of mind. If I can help them feel safer, more secure, and more confident in their daily lives— that’s a win. That’s why I’m here.”
Why People here Want to Live
BY ROBERT ORSO
The Mississippi Gulf Coast, often referred to as “The Secret Coast,” offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, affordability, and cultural richness, making it an increasingly desirable place to live. Stretching 62 miles along the Gulf of America, this region encompasses charming towns like Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Bay St. Louis, each offering unique attractions and a welcoming community spirit.
Affordable Coastal Living
One of the most attractive aspects of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is its
enthusiasts. De Soto National Forest offers over 500,000 acres of pine forests, wetlands, and trails, ideal for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The Gulf Islands National Seashore, including Ship Island, features pristine beaches and historic sites like Fort Massachusetts. For water activities, residents can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and boating in the region’s numerous waterways and bayous.
Rich Cultural Heritage
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is steeped in history and culture. Ocean Springs, known for its vibrant arts scene, hosts numerous galleries and festivals throughout the year. Biloxi offers a blend of historical sites and modern attractions, including casinos and entertainment venues. The region’s culinary scene is a highlight, with an abundance of seafood restaurants serving fresh catches daily.
Family-Friendly Communities
Families are drawn to the Gulf Coast for its safe, tight-knit communities and quality educational institutions. Cities like Pascagoula and Bay St. Louis offer excellent public schools and familyoriented neighborhoods. Recreational facilities, parks, and community events provide ample opportunities for family engagement and outdoor activities.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
affordability. Gulfport, for instance, boasts a cost of living approximately 15% lower than the national average, with housing expenses about 34% less than the U.S. average. The median home price in Gulfport is around $172,600, significantly more affordable than many other coastal areas. This affordability extends to other coastal towns, making homeownership accessible for many.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation
The region’s natural landscapes provide ample opportunities for outdoor
The Gulf Coast’s location offers convenient access to larger metropolitan areas like New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, providing additional employment, educational, and cultural opportunities. Major highways and regional airports ensure easy travel and connectivity.
In summary, the Mississippi Gulf Coast combines affordability, natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a high quality of life in a coastal setting. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or looking to retire, the Gulf Coast offers a welcoming environment with something for everyone.
WHAT TOP REALTORS SAY ABOUT GULF COAST REAL PRODUCERS
buisness. Thank you! I would also like say Thanks to all who support them; your partnership is invaluable.”
Christine Hudson – The Worth It Group at Keller Williams
“I am very pleased with my feature in Gulf Coast Real Producers magazine and appreciate the hard work and effort put into it. As realtors, we are very appreciative of having a magazine offered to us for free and supported by great businesses like home inspectors, insurance companies, and banks, to name a few. We greatly appreciate all of you.”
Richard Reynolds – Keller Williams, Gulfport
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the feature in Real Producers magazine. It was an honor to be highlighted in such a prestigious publication that is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and stories of real estate professionals.
The article captured my journey and dedication to the real estate industry perfectly. The professionalism and attention to detail exhibited by your team throughout the process were exceptional. The feature has not only boosted my visibility in the market but also reinforced my commitment to providing the best service to my clients.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with your readers. Being part of Real Producers has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to engage with your inspiring content.
Anna Kral - Kral Realty, Gautier
“I am deeply appreciative of the free spotlight in the Gulf Coast Real Producers magazine. I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase my commitment to excellence and service in the real estate community. Thank You for highlighting my story and my achievements!”
insightful and comprehensive article. She was able to capture both my professional growth and personal journey. I was very pleased with the experience and article.”
Susanne Ashman – Ashman-Mollere Realty, Waveland
“I absolutely love Gulf Coast Real Producers. It surpasses the traditional role of a magazine; instead, it acts as a driving force behind the ongoing expansion of the Gulf Coast real estate
All About Gulf Coast Real Producers
Welcome to Real Producers! Some of you may be wondering what this publication is all about, which is why we have created this FAQ page. Here, we will answer the most commonly asked questions from around the country regarding our program. My door is always open to discuss anything regarding this community — this publication is 100% designed to be your voice!
Q: Who Receives This Magazine?
A: The top 300 agents in the Gulf Coast Area. We pulled the MLS numbers (by volume) from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022, in the MS Gulf Coast market. We cut the list off at number 300, and the distribution was born. For this year’s list, the minimum production level for our group is $5 million in 2022. The list will reset at the end of 2023 for next year and will continue to update annually.
Q: What Is The Process For Being Featured In This Magazine?
A: The process is simple. Every feature you see has first been nominated. You can nominate REALTORS®, agents, affiliates, brokers, owners, or even yourself. Office leaders can also nominate real estate agents. We will consider anyone you bring to our attention because we don’t know everyone’s story, and we need your help to learn more.
A nomination currently looks like this: Email us at robert. orso@realproducersmag.com with the subject line “Nomination: (Name of Nominee)” and explain why you are nominating the individual. Maybe the person has an amazing story that we need to tell, or perhaps someone overcame extreme obstacles, is an exceptional leader, has the best customer service, or gives back to the community in a big way. The next step is an interview with us to ensure a good fit, and then we put the wheels in motion for our writer to conduct an interview and for our photographer to schedule a photo shoot.
Q: What Is The Cost To Feature A Realtor®, Agent, Or Team?
A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. The feature costs nothing, my friends, so nominate away! We are not a pay-toplay model. We share real stories of Real Producers.
Q: Who Are The Preferred Partners?
A: Anyone listed as a preferred partner in the front of the magazine is a part of this community and will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our quarterly events, and be a part of our online community. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One or many of you have recommended every preferred partner you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business that you have not vetted and stamped for approval, in a sense. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network for the REALTORS® and agents in the area and for the best affiliates so we can grow stronger together.
Q: How Can I Recommend A Preferred Partner?
A: If you have a recommendation for a local business that works with top real estate agents, please let us know. Send an email to robert.orso@realproducersmag.com.
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