Breaking into a highly competitive real estate market like Nashville, Tennessee, can be daunting. As the market continues to evolve, it’s essential to have the right strategies and guidance to navigate through it.
Recently, I had the great opportunity to sit down with Meredith Smith, a seasoned real estate professional on my podcast. Meredith’s story of transitioning from Maine to Nashville and building a thriving career is not only inspiring but filled with practical tips for anyone looking to make it in this competitive space.
Watch the entire podcast episode here.
Now, let me walk you through the key points Meredith discussed and highlight the strategies that helped her become a success in Nashville!
How Meredith Smith Mastered Nashville’s Real Estate Market
Meredith has been in real estate since 2003. Over the past 21 years, she has grown into a force in the Nashville market. Here’s how she did it.
Transition from Maine to Nashville
When Meredith moved to Nashville, she was stepping into a whole new environment.
In Maine, real estate was slow. Homes took months to sell, and she often struggled to make her career feel like a full-time gig.
When she arrived in Nashville, the pace was entirely different. Meredith was faced with the challenge of starting over in a city where she knew no one except her husband. However, this move turned out to be the career reboot she needed, as Nashville’s booming real estate market opened doors she never thought possible in Maine.
Breaking into the Nashville Market
What set Meredith apart in our local market was her decision to hire a coach and focus on video marketing.
She hired Krista Mashore, a well-known real estate coach, and fully committed to her program. With Krista, she learned how to leverage video to connect with her audience and build her network.
Her dedication to video content allowed her to grow her brand quickly and establish meaningful relationships with local business owners and potential clients.
The Role of Video Marketing
Meredith emphasized that video helped her become visible in Nashville’s competitive market. From videos about real estate advice to fun content, Meredith consistently creates everything that resonates with her audience.
When clients meet her in person, they already feel like they know her. This personal connection is one of the keys to her business growth. Video marketing is not just about selling homes—it’s about building trust and showcasing expertise.
Importance of Coaching
As Meredith shared during the podcast, hiring a coach was a pivotal moment in her career.
“Spend $10,000 on a coach,” she said, recounting how this decision pushed her out of her comfort zone. Meredith invested in a six-month program that helped her refine her marketing strategies, particularly using video to grow her business.
Real estate coaches can be a game-changer, especially for new agents looking to build their careers.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Nashville Real Estate Market
During our conversation, Meredith reflected on how fast the market moved from 2016 to 2020.
During those years, homes often sold without professional photos, and buyers scrambled to make offers. While this rapid pace seemed exciting, it was also a lot of hard work.
Now that the market has shifted, Meredith stresses that agents must prepare their clients for the current conditions. She notes that sellers may need to adjust their expectations and be ready for more negotiations, as buyers now have more leverage.
Working with Buyers and Sellers
Meredith’s approach to working with both buyers and sellers is simple: treat each client like a long-term investment.
She believes in educating her clients about market conditions and maintaining a long-term perspective, especially with buyers. One of her key points is ensuring that buyers are well-informed throughout the entire home-buying process, from selecting the best mortgage brokers to closing the deal.
Meredith emphasizes the importance of building relationships that will last, understanding that while some buyers may not be ready to close a deal immediately, they will be in the future.
For sellers, her detailed property marketing strategy, which includes professional video tours, has been a major draw.
This balanced approach has allowed Meredith to maintain a strong pipeline of clients on both sides of the market.
Relocating Buyers
Many of Meredith’s clients are relocating from out of state, especially from places, like California. In this regard, she takes a hands-on approach with first-time homebuyers, guiding them through the whole process from pre-approval to closing.
One of her core strategies is setting up Zoom calls with her clients to build rapport and explain the home-buying process. By breaking down each step, she makes sure they are fully informed and comfortable with their decisions.
Key Mistakes in the Real Estate Process
One of the common mistakes Meredith sees agents and clients make is over-promising listing prices without fully preparing sellers for the current market. This lack of transparency can lead to disappointment.
She stresses the importance of managing expectations and educating clients about the realities of buying or selling in a fluctuating market. Clear communication is essential to avoiding frustration down the line.
Changes in Real Estate Regulations
Meredith also touched on upcoming changes in real estate regulations, particularly the requirement for written agreements before showing houses.
She explained how these changes will impact the way agents work with clients, requiring more upfront conversations and better preparedness.
Meredith feels confident that adapting to these regulations will ultimately help agents build stronger, more professional relationships with their clients.
Follow Key to All Things Real Estate for More Practical Insights and Tips from Industry Professionals!
Meredith’s insights provide a wealth of actionable strategies for anyone looking to break into Nashville’s competitive real estate market. Her focus on video marketing, coaching, and building long-term relationships are key takeaways for agents who want to thrive in any market.
For more in-depth advice and tips from industry professionals, like Meredith, tune into the Key to All Things Real Estate Podcast. You can also explore my website for additional real estate resources and guides.
And, if you’re looking to buy or sell in Nashville, I’m always ready to help! Schedule a consultation call with me now, and let’s start your journey to real estate success together!
