Spilling The Title Tea

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley introduces us to Whitney Martin, a new member of the Springdale Title Team. Whitney shares her journey from being a real estate agent to stepping into the world of title work, emphasizing the importance of relationships in ensuring a smooth transaction process.

From Realtor to Relationship Developer

Whitney, born and raised in Richmond, Kentucky, has nearly a decade of real estate experience. Her passion for building relationships has led her to her current role, where she aims to be a resource for agents, lenders, and clients. "My biggest passion is I wanted to be a resource for agents and lenders and their buyers and sellers," Whitney explains. She recognizes the challenges that can arise during the contract-to-close process and is dedicated to easing those burdens for everyone involved.

The Importance of Clear Communication

Communication is key in real estate, especially as transactions can involve multiple parties. Whitney highlights her proactive approach, reaching out to realtors immediately after a new order comes in. She believes in introducing herself to clients early on and providing resources to help them understand the process. "I want to clear some of those blurred lines. I want to make sure that if our processor is going to be contacting you next week for documents, I’ll just call and give a heads up," she says.

Educating Clients for a Smooth Process

Whitney's commitment to education shines through in her efforts to guide clients. She has developed a pamphlet that clarifies roles and responsibilities among all parties involved in a transaction. This not only empowers clients but also alleviates confusion. "It’s an education process so they know who handles what portion," she notes. Whitney’s initiative ensures that clients are informed and can navigate the complexities of real estate with confidence.

Behind the Scenes in Title Work

Whitney's transition from realtor to title expert has opened her eyes to the intricate processes that occur behind the scenes. She emphasizes the need for timely information from realtors to keep everything on track. "The earlier we get information from our realtor partners, the smoother the closing process will be," she affirms. This proactive approach is crucial in preventing delays and ensuring seamless transactions for clients.

A Commitment to Client Care

At the heart of Whitney’s work is a genuine desire to care for clients. She strives to provide a stress-free experience, knowing that buying a home is often the biggest transaction in a person's life. "It is just as important to us that they have a seamless closing process as it is for them," Whitney reflects.

Whitney Martin’s dedication to relationship-building and proactive communication highlights the vital role of title professionals in the real estate process. Her insights remind us that behind every closing, there are dedicated individuals working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly.

For more on Whitney’s journey and valuable insights into the title process, listen to the full episode.

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Kandi Hylton, owner of Hylton Business Solutions LLC, to discuss what every small business owner should know about starting, managing, and growing a successful business.

Kandi shares her journey into accounting, how she built a successful accounting and tax partnership, and why she eventually decided to launch her own business in 2020. What started as a desire for more flexibility and family time turned into an opportunity to help entrepreneurs navigate the often-overwhelming financial and administrative responsibilities of business ownership.

Ashley and Kandi discuss the importance of setting up a business correctly from the beginning, understanding the differences between LLCs and sole proprietorships, obtaining the proper licenses, and staying compliant with state and local tax requirements. Kandi also explains why bookkeeping is essential, how QuickBooks can simplify financial management, and why keeping accurate records throughout the year can save business owners time, money, and unnecessary stress.

Whether you're thinking about starting your first business, struggling to keep up with bookkeeping, or looking for ways to streamline your existing operations, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build a stronger foundation for long-term success.

Highlights

• Kandi's journey into accounting: How her early interest in bookkeeping led her to become an accountant, Enrolled Agent, and eventually a business owner.
• Launching Hylton Business Solutions: Why Kandi transitioned from a 12-year accounting partnership to starting her own company in 2020 to prioritize family and flexibility.
• What to do before starting a business: Why Kandi recommends sitting down with a knowledgeable professional before filing paperwork or officially launching a company.
• LLC vs. sole proprietorship: Understanding why forming an LLC isn't always the first or best step for every new business.
• The paperwork doesn't stop with an EIN: Why registering an LLC and obtaining a federal tax ID are only the beginning of properly setting up a business.
• Understanding business licenses: How state, city, and county requirements can vary and why businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions need to pay special attention.
• Avoiding costly tax mistakes: Why tracking where business income is earned throughout the year matters for local taxes and year-end reporting.
• Why bookkeeping matters: How accurate financial records help business owners stay organized, prepare for tax season, and avoid problems that can threaten their business.
• QuickBooks training vs. outsourced bookkeeping: How Kandi helps business owners manage their own books, receive monthly oversight, or completely outsource their bookkeeping as they grow.
• Helping entrepreneurs through education: Kandi shares her plans to develop workshops, online courses, and training resources to help small business owners better understand the financial side of entrepreneurship.

Links

Katie :  Facebook

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley is joined by Springdale Title’s Post-Closing Team Lead, Olivia Bowdy, for a practical conversation about making real estate transactions smoother for everyone involved.

Ashley and Olivia walk through some of the most common issues that can create last-minute problems or even delay a closing, from missing contract amendments and expired contracts to commission documentation, LLC paperwork, and client contact information.

They explain why the title company asks for certain documents, why getting information in early matters, and how agents can help prevent unnecessary surprises at the closing table. They also discuss the growing importance of identity verification and the steps being taken to protect buyers and sellers from wire fraud.

Whether you’re a new agent or have been closing deals for years, these simple reminders can help protect your clients, keep your transactions on track, and make closing day easier for everyone.

Highlights

• Why every amendment or addendum needs to be sent to both the title company and lender as soon as it is signed.
• How a last-minute contract change can send a file back through underwriting and potentially delay closing.
• Why an expired real estate contract needs a properly signed closing extension, even if everyone still plans to show up and close.
• The difference between everyone agreeing to close and having the legally required documentation to support that agreement.
• Why buyer-agent commissions and who is responsible for paying them need to be clearly documented in the contract.
• The importance of reviewing preliminary settlement statements before closing to catch incorrect commissions, fees, brokerage information, and other mistakes.
• Why title companies request operating agreements or bylaws when an LLC or corporation is buying or selling real estate.
• How resolutions can allow one or two people to sign at closing while documenting approval from everyone who has authority within the company.
• Why agents should provide accurate client contact information as early as possible for identity verification, lien clearance, payoffs, and wire instructions.
• How identity verification and secure wire procedures help protect buyers, sellers, agents, and title companies from increasingly common wire fraud.

Links

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Mike Lerch, owner of Building Maintenance Specialists of Kentucky, to talk about hard work, entrepreneurship, family, and the importance of serving people well.

Mike shares how growing up on a 3,000-acre farm shaped his work ethic, how encouragement from his wife Karie pushed him to leave his job at the University of Kentucky and start his own company, and how the business quickly grew through word of mouth and loyal customers.

They also talk about the wide range of projects Mike and his team take on, from drywall, painting, plumbing, electrical, flooring, masonry, and remodeling to larger repair projects. Mike also introduces a new scheduled home maintenance service designed especially for elderly homeowners, widows, busy families, and anyone who wants help staying ahead of routine home maintenance.

Throughout the conversation, Mike explains why integrity is at the center of the company, why doing a job correctly matters even when it costs more, and how he hopes to continue growing the business alongside the next generation of his family.

Highlights

• Mike shares how growing up working on a 3,000-acre farm taught him the value of hard work from an early age.
• How one conversation with his wife Karie gave Mike the push he needed to leave his longtime job and start his own business.
• Why Building Maintenance Specialists of Kentucky was busy with jobs almost immediately after Mike left the University of Kentucky.
• The wide variety of services Mike and his team provide, including drywall, painting, plumbing, electrical repairs, flooring, masonry, remodeling, and more.
• The customer request that sent Mike to YouTube to start learning how to build an in-ground swimming pool.
• Why Mike enjoys smaller handyman projects but also takes on major repairs and complete remodeling jobs.
• Mike introduces a new scheduled home maintenance service designed to help elderly homeowners, widows, busy professionals, and families keep up with routine household needs.
• How simple maintenance like furnace filters, smoke detector batteries, light bulbs, plumbing checks, and hard-to-reach cleaning can prevent bigger problems later.
• Why Mike believes service should be mutually beneficial and centered on genuinely helping the customer.
• The importance of integrity in the company and why Mike teaches his team that every job needs to be done correctly, even when fixing it costs the business additional time or money.

Links

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram

Building Maintenance Specialist of Kentucky:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Facebook

Mike 859-339-1161

Karie 859-339-1045

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Kaitlyn Wiseman, a consumer loan officer with Rural 1st, to discuss financing options designed for people who want more space, recreational land, a country home, or a place to build.

Kaitlyn shares how growing up on a Kentucky farm inspired her interest in agriculture and lending, eventually leading her to her dream role as a loan officer. She explains how Rural 1st works alongside Farm Credit and walks listeners through their lot loans, recreational land financing, rural home loans, and construction loan options.

Ashley and Kaitlyn also discuss acreage requirements, financing property inside and outside city limits, working with general contractors versus managing a build yourself, and Rural 1st’s loan conversion program that may allow borrowers to secure a lower interest rate without completing a full refinance.

Whether you are looking for hunting land, planning to build a home, or dreaming about a quieter life in the country, this episode offers practical information to help you understand your financing options and prepare for the loan process.

Highlights

• Kaitlyn shares how growing up on a farm in Winchester shaped her love for agriculture, animals, and country living.
• Meet Luna, Kaitlyn’s spoiled pet cow who comes running for treats and happily finishes leftover cake and ice cream.
• Kaitlyn explains why she knew as early as high school that she wanted to become a loan officer.
• How Kaitlyn moved from Rural 1st’s operations department into her dream loan officer position in just a few months.
• The connection between Rural 1st and Farm Credit and how the two divisions serve different types of borrowers.
• How lot loans can help buyers purchase property now with plans to build a home in the future.
• The difference between lot loans, recreational land loans, rural home financing, and construction loans.
• How acreage, property location, and Rural 1st’s mapping system determine whether a property qualifies for financing.
• Why working with a general contractor can make the construction loan process easier than acting as your own contractor.
• How Rural 1st’s loan conversion program may allow eligible borrowers to lower their interest rate without paying the full costs of refinancing.

Links

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram

Kaitlyn:

Kaitlyn Wiseman | LinkedIn

(3) Kaitlyn Wiseman | Facebook

The Leader in Rural Lending - Rural 1st

On this fun and eye-opening episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley welcomes back REALTOR® Michelle Conner of Century 21 Advantage to share some of the craziest situations they've encountered throughout their real estate careers.

From sellers refusing to move out after closing to contracts missing entire parcels of land, surprise title defects, occupied homes, unexpected animals, and other unforgettable moments, Ashley and Michelle explain how many of these costly mistakes could have been avoided with proper guidance and attention to detail.

Whether you're buying your first home, selling your current one, or simply curious about what really happens behind the scenes in real estate, this episode is packed with practical advice, entertaining stories, and reminders about why having experienced professionals on your side matters.

Highlights

• Michelle shares the story of a seller who refused to move out before closing, forcing buyers to negotiate a $5,000 holdback until the home was finally vacated. 
• Ashley explains one of the most common—and expensive—real estate mistakes: contracts that accidentally leave out portions of the property being sold. 
• Why using an experienced real estate agent can prevent costly legal issues, delays, and overlooked details throughout the transaction. 
• Michelle recounts the time she called law enforcement to clear a home after discovering what appeared to be signs of an intruder before a showing. 
• Ashley shares real-world examples of title searches uncovering homeowners who didn't legally own the property they believed they had owned for years. 
• The importance of careful title examinations and legal descriptions, especially when multiple lots or parcels are involved in a sale. 
• Michelle discusses some of the unexpected surprises REALTORS® encounter during showings, including loose animals, hoarding situations, and even wildlife inside vacant homes. 
• Ashley explains how simple oversights can create major expenses later, requiring additional deeds, title work, and legal corrections after closing. 
• Both Ashley and Michelle emphasize that great real estate professionals don't just complete paperwork—they solve problems, protect their clients, and navigate unexpected situations every day. 
• The episode closes with practical advice for buyers and sellers: trust experienced professionals, pay attention to the details, and remember that many real estate nightmares are entirely preventable with proper guidance. 

Links

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram

Michelle:

Michelle Conner - Real Estate Agent - CENTURY 21 Real Estate

On this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Daniel Prevett, Vice President of Investments at Stirlingshire, to discuss the importance of financial planning, retirement preparation, and building a secure future.

Daniel shares his unique journey from college athletics and coaching basketball to becoming a financial advisor, along with the deeply personal experiences that shaped his perspective—including navigating major health challenges with both of his daughters while launching a business and rebuilding life back in Kentucky.

Together, Ashley and Daniel explore common financial planning mistakes, why it's never too early to start investing, how retirement planning changes over time, and why having a trusted financial advisor can provide both guidance and peace of mind. Whether you're just starting your career, running your own business, or approaching retirement, this episode offers practical advice to help you plan with confidence and live intentionally. 

Highlights

• Daniel shares his journey from college basketball coach to Vice President of Investments at Stirlingshire and why he ultimately returned to the financial industry. 
• The emotional story behind moving back to Kentucky after his premature daughter's medical challenges and the importance of having family close during difficult seasons. 
• How overcoming multiple family health crises strengthened Daniel's resilience and shaped the way he serves his clients today. 
• What a financial advisor actually does—from retirement planning and investment management to estate planning and creating reliable retirement income. 
• How to determine whether your retirement savings will last and why financial planning is about both numbers and quality of life. 
• Daniel explains why many retirees actually struggle more with spending their savings than saving it after years of financial discipline. 
• The biggest financial planning mistakes people make, including waiting too long to start and trying to manage everything on their own. 
• Why working with a financial advisor provides more than investment advice—it offers organization, accountability, and peace of mind for you and your family. 
• Practical advice for young professionals and entrepreneurs on building wealth early through consistent investing and developing strong financial habits. 
• Daniel shares why finding mentors, learning from established organizations, and focusing on your strengths can accelerate both your career and your financial future. 

Links

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram

Daniel Prevett:

Daniel Prevett — VP of Investments | Stirlingshire Investments

Daniel Prevett | LinkedIn

On this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Martin Caruana, co-owner of Red Haven Farm in Madison County, Kentucky. What started as a dream of owning land quickly turned into something much bigger—a thriving farm, a destination for families, and a place built around community.

Martin shares his incredible journey from the Mediterranean to Canada, Michigan, and ultimately Kentucky, where he and his wife fell in love with the land and the people. With no farming experience, they embraced the challenge, learning everything from raising Scottish Highland cattle and pasture-raised pigs to operating short-term rentals and creating memorable experiences for visitors.

Martin also gives listeners a first look at Red Haven Farm’s newest venture—a country store featuring local products, fresh food, ice cream, animal feed, and a gathering place designed to bring the community together. Plus, hear why caring for animals has become one of the greatest joys of his life and why he believes we are simply stewards of the land we’ve been entrusted with.

If you love Kentucky, farming, small businesses, or stories about following unexpected opportunities, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Highlights

• Martin shares his unique journey from a small Mediterranean island to Canada, Michigan, and eventually Madison County, Kentucky. 
• Why he and his wife purchased Red Haven Farm with no farming experience and how they learned everything along the way. 
• The promise they made to preserve the property as a farm rather than turning it into an off-road park. 
• How the local community embraced them and helped transform strangers into lifelong friends. 
• A behind-the-scenes look at raising Scottish Highland cattle, pasture-raised pigs, goats, chickens, and other animals naturally and humanely. 
• The story behind Red Haven Farm’s three unique short-term rentals, including a farmhouse rumored to have hosted Daniel Boone. 
• Martin reveals plans for the new Red Haven Country Store featuring local products, fresh meat, groceries, ice cream, and eventually daily meals. 
• Exciting future additions include a petting farm, fishing pond, event space, classes, and family-friendly experiences designed to make Red Haven Farm a true destination. 
• Martin explains why animals are therapeutic and shares how volunteering with equine therapy programs deepened his appreciation for their impact on people. 
• Why Martin believes we are merely stewards of the land, entrusted with caring for it and leaving it better for the next generation. 

Links

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram

Red Haven Farm:

RED HAVEN FARM

Facebook

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Springdale Title’s Knoxville closing agent, Tammy Mounsey, to discuss her inspiring career transition from restaurant management to the title industry. After spending more than 20 years working nights, weekends, and holidays in the restaurant business, Tammy made the bold decision to start over in a completely new field.

Tammy shares what it was like to leave a career she had known for decades, why family and grandchildren became her motivation for change, and how the title industry has provided a better work-life balance while still allowing her to serve people every day.

The conversation explores the importance of customer service across industries, the rewards of helping buyers achieve homeownership, and the courage it takes to reinvent yourself later in life. Tammy’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a better path and that sometimes the biggest opportunities come when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone.

Whether you're considering a career change, working toward better work-life balance, or simply love hearing stories about personal growth, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom.

Highlights

• Tammy shares her journey from 20 years in restaurant management to becoming a closing agent in the title industry. 
• Why spending more time with her grandchildren became the driving force behind her career change. 
• The surprising experience of having her first Christmas off after two decades of working holidays. 
• How customer service skills developed in the restaurant industry translated directly into helping title clients. 
• Tammy discusses one of her most rewarding closings, where grateful buyers thanked her for going above and beyond to help them. 
• Ashley and Tammy talk about why real estate transactions are often more joyful than many other areas of the legal profession. 
• How working in title has given Tammy a deeper understanding of her family’s own real estate investments and rental properties. 
• The challenges and fears that come with leaving a career you've known for decades and starting over in a new industry. 
• Tammy shares advice for anyone considering a major career change: trust yourself when you know it's time for something different. 
• A candid conversation about confidence, lifelong learning, and why nobody in the title industry ever truly knows everything. 

Links

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Derrick Simpson, founder of Forge Property Group, to talk about entrepreneurship, real estate investing, property management, and building a business rooted in faith and stewardship.

Derrick shares how his background in federal service and private security unexpectedly led him into real estate, where he recognized a major problem investors and homeowners were facing: juggling multiple vendors, contractors, agents, and managers with no streamlined system in place. That realization became the foundation for Forge Property Group — a one-stop-shop real estate company designed to simplify the process for property owners, investors, landlords, and sellers.

The conversation dives into property management systems, scaling a business without sacrificing quality, the role investors play in creating affordable housing inventory, and how biblical principles shaped the vision behind the company. Derrick also shares a powerful story about how treating tenants with compassion during COVID led to unexpected blessings.

This episode is packed with practical real estate insight, entrepreneurship advice, and reminders about leading with integrity, diligence, and service.

Highlights

• Derrick shares how his background in federal service and private security unexpectedly led him into real estate investing. 
• The inspiration behind Forge Property Group came from solving a major problem for landlords and investors: too many vendors and not enough coordination. 
• How Forge Property Group became a “one-stop shop” offering acquisitions, sales, renovations, market prep, and property management services under one roof. 
• Derrick explains the biblical meaning behind the name “Forge” and how hardship, refinement, and character-building inspired the company’s foundation. 
• Why scaling a property management company without losing quality control is one of the biggest challenges in the industry. 
• How Forge uses systems, inspections, software portals, and tenant communication to keep investors informed and properties protected. 
• Derrick discusses why some rental properties are declined for management if owners are unwilling to properly maintain them. 
• The surprising reality about real estate investors and how many are actually helping create affordable housing inventory for first-time homebuyers. 
• Ashley and Derrick discuss stewardship, diligence, and why serving people well means refusing to take shortcuts in business. 
• Derrick shares a powerful story about how showing compassion to tenants during COVID resulted in every tenant paying rent on time throughout the pandemic. 

Links

Forge Property Group | Facebook

Forge Property Group: Your Full-Service Real Estate Partner

Sringdale Title Links:

sprindaletitle.com

Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038

Instagram