The Closing Table with Lawyers Title

Episode 111 of The Closing Table with Lawyers Title kicks off a brand-new segment — Inside the Minds of Power Players — and the very first guest sets the bar high.
 
In this episode, host Tamera Gaede sits down with Stacey Leslie, team leader of The Agency powered by eXp Realty and one of the top-producing agents in DFW. Stacey and her team are closing out the year at $90 million in production, and she breaks down exactly how they’re doing it in today’s challenging market.

In this conversation, Stacey shares:

• How her team stays dominant in a shifting buyer’s market
• Why staging and strategic marketing matter more than ever
• The exact open house strategies that generate real buyers (not just foot traffic)
• How geo-farming continues to drive 80–85% of her business
• How she uses AI tools to move faster, market smarter, and stay ahead
• What agents MUST do once listings pass the “new” phase online
• How mindset, discipline, and daily habits separate top producers from the rest

This episode is packed with practical, boots-on-the-ground strategies that agents can implement immediately — whether you’re running a large team or building momentum as a solo agent.
 
🎧 Watch Episode 111 now and step inside the mind of a real estate power player.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 111
00:40 – Introducing Stacey Leslie & new segment: Inside the Minds of Power Players
01:15 – $90M in production: what that really takes
02:00 – Using AI to create neighborhood marketing fast
03:30 – Why detailed AI prompts matter
05:00 – Biggest challenges in today’s DFW market
06:15 – Shifting strategy in a buyer’s market
07:30 – What happens when listings sit longer
08:45 – Why most agents stop marketing too early
10:00 – Staging vs virtual staging: what actually works
12:15 – Real case study: staging changed everything
15:00 – Budgeting marketing dollars wisely
16:45 – Must-have listing marketing in today’s market
18:15 – Open houses are back — here’s why
20:00 – Geo-farming fundamentals that still win
22:00 – Open house mistakes agents keep making
24:00 – How to convert open house visitors into clients
26:00 – Scripts & strategies for buyer conversations
28:00 – Using CRM + AI to protect pricing conversations
30:00 – Managing seller expectations with data
32:00 – Building discipline, habits & confidence
34:00 – Daily routines of a top producer
36:00 – Mindset, mentorship & growth
38:00 – Advice for struggling agents
39:30 – Closing thoughts & wrap-up

How do top agents scale to seven figures without burning out their family, their sanity, or their schedule?

In Episode 109 of The Closing Table with Lawyers Title, Tamera Gaede sits down with top-producing agent & coach Brianna Castillo to reveal the systems, hires, AI tools, and mindset shifts that allowed her to double her production while working less.

Brianna breaks down:
✅  Her unique team model: listing coordinator, buyer coordinator, in-house TC & ops partner
✅  How she uses AI assistants to automate seller updates, pricing, CRM tasks & follow-up
✅  Why most agents get stuck at $300–500k GCI — and how to break through
✅  How to track the RIGHT metrics and identify real income pillars
✅  Why control issues hurt your growth (and how to let go the right way)
✅  The steps she teaches agents who want to hit seven-figure GCI sustainably
✅  How systems create balance when you’re a parent AND a top producer

If you’re an agent ready to scale, fix your time management, or upgrade your client experience, this episode is PACKED with implementable insight.

📲 Follow Brianna on Instagram: @brianna.castillodallas
🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Closing Table every week.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 109
00:35 – Meet returning guest: top producer + team leader Brianna Castillo
01:20 – Brianna now coaches agents — here’s why
02:00 – Balancing real estate, coaching & family
02:35 – Why agents need someone who has “been in their shoes”
03:10 – How coaching holds Brianna accountable
04:00 – Brianna’s unique team structure explained
04:45 – High-dollar vs low-dollar activities
05:00 – Why agents struggle to let go of control
06:00 – The moment Brianna realized she needed a team
07:00 – Meeting the mentor who changed everything
08:00 – How a four-day workweek in real estate is possible
09:00 – The Haven Group team model
10:00 – Doctor/Nurse model for listings & buyers
11:20 – Why customized, curated MLS searches work
12:00 – How showing support creates balance
13:00 – In-house TC + dedicated operations lead
14:30 – Why hiring an operations partner changed everything
15:10 – The first sales agent addition
16:00 – Identifying when you’re at capacity
17:00 – Expressing value to team members
18:00 – Coaching clients: who Brianna looks for
19:00 – Reviewing P&Ls, metrics & income pillars
20:00 – Helping agents reach sustainable seven-figure GCI
21:00 – Why every agent must have a CRM
22:00 – Follow Up Boss + HouseWhisper AI
23:00 – How Brianna uses AI as a true assistant
24:00 – Real-world examples of AI follow-up
25:00 – Using AI to manage notes, tasks & reminders
26:00 – Seller retention: solving the “no update” problem
27:00 – Why sellers leave agents — and how to prevent it
28:00 – Brianna’s detailed weekly seller report
29:00 – Using custom GPTs to speed up analysis
30:00 – Turning a 2-hour task into 10 minutes
31:00 – Custom GPT trained on appraisal reports
32:00 – How she nails pricing in today’s market
33:00 – How Brianna wins expired/terminated listings
34:00 – AI for tough pricing conversations
35:00 – How to work with Brianna + coaching info
36:00 – Closing remarks

What does the largest Realtor association merger in NAR history mean for North Texas agents?

In Episode 108 of The Closing Table with Lawyers Title, host Tamera Gaede sits down with Johnny Mowad, President of the MetroTex Association of Realtors and top-producing broker with Ebby Halliday.

Johnny breaks down:
✅  The MetroTex + CCAR merger — why it worked and what Realtors gain
✅  New member benefits (CE on demand, ARM meetings, Tangi platform, safety tools)
✅  Clear Cooperation misconceptions
✅  MLS policy changes headed to NAR NXT
✅  PropertyShield, Forewarn & Tether — what they actually do
✅  How North Texas associations are reshaping Realtor support
✅  Why MLS + Association modernization matters for your business

If you’re a Realtor navigating today’s shifting industry, this is required listening.

👉 Watch for powerful insights, clarity, and what’s coming next for DFW real estate.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 108
00:35 – Meet Johnny Mowad, MetroTex President
01:15 – Why this conversation matters post-conference
02:00 – MetroTex + CCAR Merger: Why it’s historic
03:00 – Johnny’s leadership background (Local, State, NAR)
05:00 – How association involvement boosted his real estate career
06:10 – Why the merger succeeded when others didn’t
07:10 – Staff retention & leadership roles after the merger
08:30 – MetroTex as one of the largest associations in the U.S.
09:20 – Fort Worth + Lewisville merger discussion
10:15 – Future collaboration with other associations
11:20 – Why membership size matters
12:15 – What made this merger possible (culture, leadership, alignment)
14:00 – What Realtors NOW get from the merger
14:45 – Free CE, on-demand CE, and in-person CE
16:00 – All offices remain open & expansion plans
17:00 – ARM meetings explained
18:30 – Realtor tour process & networking benefits
20:30 – Why Realtors need to participate in ARM meetings
22:00 – The “ecosystem” of agents, affiliates & brokers
23:00 – Member benefits: Forewarn, Tether, PropertyShield
25:00 – How PropertyShield protects listings
26:20 – Consumer fraud scenarios & risk
27:10 – Commercial, Property Management & broker support
28:00 – Why many agents misunderstand what their association provides
29:15 – Why you should visit the MetroTex office
30:00 – Free printing, member lounge, meeting rooms
31:00 – Biggest issues facing Realtors today
32:00 – Clear Cooperation: what’s coming at NAR NXT
33:00 – Policy changes & misleading online commentary
34:00 – Delayed Market Exempt Listings update
36:00 – North Texas MLS leadership & modernization
37:00 – Proposed policy changes coming soon
38:00 – New TANGI platform (instant transfers, instant onboarding)
39:00 – How brokers benefit from real-time processing
40:15 – Johnny’s message to Realtors
41:00 – Closing

What does it take to build a thriving small business in one of the fastest-growing cities in America?

In Episode 105 of The Closing Table with Lawyers Title, host Tamera Gaede sits down with Traci Miller, owner of Terramania — one of downtown Celina’s most-loved home décor shops.

Traci shares the REAL behind-the-scenes story of building her business:
✅  Pivoting her store from furniture to décor
✅  Navigating growth in Celina
✅  Evolving with customer needs & trends
✅  Offering services big box stores can’t compete with
✅  Building a strong team and supportive “shop family”
✅  How Terramania became the go-to spot for closing gifts, home styling, and custom gift boxes

🌵 Visit Terramania: https://terramaniashop.com/
📍 Downtown Celina, Texas

Whether you’re a small business owner, Realtor, or fan of thoughtful home décor — this episode will inspire you, educate you, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in today’s marketplace.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 105
00:35 – Meet Traci Miller, Owner of Terramania
01:20 – Three Years in Business: How the Shop Has Evolved
02:30 – From “Boho” to Western Influence: The Store’s Style Shift
03:45 – How Celina’s Culture Shaped Terramania
05:05 – Pivoting: How Traci Decides When to Change Inventory
06:10 – The Challenges of Brick & Mortar vs Online Retail
07:45 – Social Media + Storytelling: Terramania’s Secret Weapon
09:15 – House Calls: Bringing Décor Straight Into Customers’ Homes
10:50 – The Growing Celina Community & Its Impact
12:40 – The Reality of Downtown Turnover & Rent Challenges
14:30 – Why Terramania Thrives with Celina’s EDC Support
16:10 – The Importance of Sundays & 7-Day Operation
17:00 – The Power of Community Events & Shop Traffic
18:25 – The Role of Her Support System & Staff Culture
20:40 – Traci’s Team: Each Person’s Strengths
22:00 – Andrew Stories: Behind-the-Scenes Realness & Humor
23:20 – Building Relationships with Customers
24:30 – Realtor Relationships & Closing Gift Boxes
26:05 – Home Builder Partnerships
27:00 – Gift Box Options & Pricing
29:00 – What Goes Inside a Terramania Gift Box
31:30 – How Realtors Order & Customize Gift Boxes
32:30 – Advice for Women Wanting to Start a Business
33:20 – The Power of Community, Faith & Support
34:00 – Closing Remarks

Want to wow your guests—or your clients—this holiday season?  In this episode of The Closing Table with Lawyers Title, Tamera Gaede sits down with Kristen Bullard, owner of Full Bloom, a woman-owned florist serving Celina, Frisco, and all of Collin County.
 
Kristen shares insider secrets for creating long-lasting bouquets, hosting unforgettable client appreciation events, and decorating your home with show-stopping floral arrangements. From DIY fall pumpkins to elegant Christmas centerpieces, this conversation is packed with ideas to make your holidays bloom beautifully.
 
You’ll Learn:

• Why locally sourced flowers last longer than grocery-store bouquets
• How to host a “Make Your Own Bouquet” client event 
• The top flowers for Thanksgiving & Christmas tables
• Tips for keeping your arrangements fresh longer
• Kristen’s new SAS Luxury Scent Line – perfect for holiday gifting

Support small businesses and shop local this season! Full Bloom: https://fullbloomtx.com | Celina & Frisco, TX


Chapters:
0:00 – Welcome to Episode #106
0:45 – Meet Kristen Bullard, Owner of Full Bloom
2:10 – Partnering with Baylor Scott & White PGA & The Cowboys
3:50 – Hosting Client Appreciation Events in the Full Bloom Warehouse
6:05 – The Secret to Long-Lasting Bouquets
8:45 – Customer Service Built on the Golden Rule
10:15 – Tips to Extend Flower Life at Home
12:30 – Favorite Flowers for Thanksgiving & Christmas
15:00 – Holiday Bouquet Designs & DIY Pumpkin Decor
20:15 – SAS Luxury Scent Line – New Gift Idea!
23:45 – How to Order from Full Bloom
25:15 – Closing & Tamera’s Takeaway

Real estate is not a 9-to-5 job — it’s a 24/7 commitment — so how do you build a successful career without losing yourself, your family, or your sanity along the way?

In this Participate in Life Together Series: Women in Business episode, host Tamera Gaede sits down with Stacey Feltman, top producing agent and  team leader of the Stacey Feltman Real Estate Group, and team member Jodi Smith to talk about work-life balance, setting boundaries in real estate, staying present for family, preventing burnout, and building a referral-driven business through relationships.

Both women are top-producing real estate professionals, team leaders, and moms who keep it real—sharing not just what success looks like on paper, but what it really takes behind the scenes. If you’ve ever struggled with client boundaries, mom guilt, time blocking, burnout, or trying to grow a real estate business without losing your mind, this conversation is for you.

In this episode:
✅  Why real estate agents struggle to set boundaries early in their careers
✅  How to protect time for family without losing clients
✅  Building a real estate business based on referrals and relationships
✅  The importance of having a support system and team you trust
✅  Prioritizing mental health and preventing burnout in real estate
✅  How women in business can lead with both strength and heart
✅  Using AI to save hours weekly and stay efficient
✅  Redefining success beyond awards and production

If you’re in real estate and need a reminder that you can be successful AND present for your life — this episode will speak to you.

⸻

👍 If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to:
✔️ Subscribe for more real conversations in real estate
⭐ Leave a 5-star review to support the podcast
📩 Contact Tamera and the Lawyers Title team for your title and escrow needs

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro – Episode theme: Women in business
00:36 Meet Stacey Feltman & Jodi “Jojo” Smith
02:02 Why real estate is not a 9–5 career
02:49 Setting boundaries with clients
04:18 Learning to say no and still succeed
05:54 Open houses and lead generation today
07:13 Building support systems in real estate
08:30 Family support and team dynamics
10:00 Marriage, partnership, and balance
11:32 Time blocking and scheduling life
13:10 Staying organized as a busy agent
14:47 Empty nest life transitions
17:05 When kids come home again
19:15 Mom life meets real estate life
21:32 Emotional balance and family priorities
23:51 Putting family first without losing business
26:02 Support from other agents and community
27:15 How they use AI in real estate
30:21 The problem with fake AI content
32:10 AI ethics and future concerns
33:15 Burnout in real estate and how to prevent it
35:05 Stress relief and mental reset
36:32 Defining success beyond production
38:20 Relationship-based business model
40:05 Final thoughts and wrap up

Clear Cooperation has become one of the most controversial topics in real estate—but most agents still don’t fully understand how it really affects their business, their listings, and their fiduciary responsibility. In this episode, Tamera Gaede sits down with Chris Ohlig and Melissa Hailey to uncover the real issues behind Clear Cooperation, MLS control, delayed listing strategies, syndication, and how platforms like Zillow benefit more than sellers or agents.
 
This conversation isn’t about being for or against Clear Cooperation—it’s about exposing the full truth so real estate professionals can make educated decisions in today’s market. Whether you’re a team leader, broker, solo agent, or someone in a real estate-adjacent business, this episode breaks down exactly what NAR’s policy changes mean and how they impact your business.
In this episode:

• Why Clear Cooperation was actually created
• What NAR doesn’t explain about MLS control
• The difference between “Office Exclusive” and “Delayed Marketing”
• How syndication impacts YOUR listings
• Why Zillow benefits from CCP more than agents
• Does Clear Cooperation violate fiduciary duty?
• Who really wins—and who loses—from this policy

🎧 If you’re in real estate, you need to hear this.

👍 Enjoyed the episode?
✅ Subscribe for more real estate conversations
⭐ Leave a 5-star review to support the show
💬 Drop a comment with your thoughts on Clear Cooperation
📩 Want to partner with a title team that protects your deals? Reach out to Tamera Gaede today.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to The Closing Table Podcast  
00:42 Episode intro – Why this topic matters  
02:10 What is Clear Cooperation?  
04:35 The origins of MLS and property sharing  
07:32 Why NAR created Clear Cooperation  
09:58 Pocket listings vs. off-market vs. office exclusives  
12:45 The rules around "public marketing"  
15:50 What triggers Clear Cooperation violations  
18:05 One-business-day rule explained  
20:34 Coming Soon status vs. Active status  
22:11 Fines and penalties for violations  
24:18 Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings update  
26:40 Who controls listing exposure?  
29:45 Does Clear Cooperation help or hurt sellers?  
32:54 Testing price and feedback before MLS  
34:50 Example: Celebrity and privacy concerns  
37:12 Fiduciary duty vs. NAR rules  
39:40 Does CCP benefit brokers more than sellers?  
42:25 Zillow and data syndication issues  
45:10 Should brokers stop syndicating to Zillow?  
47:18 Controlling MLS data in the future  
50:02 Who wins and loses from Clear Cooperation  
53:10 Final thoughts and takeaway  
54:30 Closing + Call to action

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in this heartfelt episode, Tamera Gaede sits down with two incredible women — Terri Phillips (Radius Group with Compass) and Jamie Brannagan (eXp Realty) — who openly share their courageous journeys through breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

From finding their first lumps to facing double mastectomies and chemotherapy, Terri and Jamie walk us through the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of fighting breast cancer — and the strength it takes to keep going.

💬 They discuss:
• How they discovered their cancer and made treatment decisions.
• The emotional toll and how they stayed positive through chemo and surgery.
• The importance of self-advocacy, mental health, and support systems.
• Advice for newly diagnosed women.
• Ways friends and family can truly help (and what not to say).
• The power of community, faith, and redefining beauty after cancer.

This episode is both inspiring and raw, offering comfort, humor, and wisdom for anyone facing breast cancer — or supporting someone who is.

🎗️ Key takeaway: You are stronger than you think. Advocate for yourself, celebrate the small wins, and never lose faith in your future.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
 • Flatwater Foundation — https://flatwater.org/ — Therapy for cancer patients and families
 • Women Rock, Inc. — https://www.womenrockinc.org/ — Financial support for women in treatment

👉 Don’t forget:
If this episode moved you, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps others find these powerful stories and supports our mission to raise awareness and hope.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction: Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month
01:00 – Terri’s Diagnosis: From an Uber to a Life-Changing Email
03:00 – The Decision for a Double Mastectomy and Self-Advocacy
05:00 – Meeting Jamie: The Power of Shared Experience
07:00 – Jamie’s Story: Finding a Lump Before Age 40
09:00 – The Reality of Chemo, Hair Loss, and Strength
12:00 – “Ringing the Bell” and What It Really Means
14:00 – Coping Mentally and the Importance of Therapy
18:00 – Positivity vs. Fear: The Internal Battle
19:00 – Why You Should Never Go to Chemo Alone
21:00 – How to Truly Support a Friend During Cancer Treatment
24:00 – Gift Cards, Meal Trains, and Acts of Kindness
28:00 – Finding Humor Amid the Hardship
29:00 – Terri’s Advice: Advocate, Lean on Your Tribe, Redefine Beauty
32:00 – Believing in Your Future After Cancer
34:00 – Paying It Forward: Helping Other Survivors
36:00 – How to Donate Responsibly and Where Funds Should Go
39:00 – Life After Treatment: Living with Gratitude and Fear
43:00 – Finding Joy, Humor, and Kindness Through the Journey
45:00 – Final Thoughts: Go Get Your Mammogram

Are you overwhelmed by the flood of new AI tools in real estate? In this power-packed episode of The Closing Table with Lawyers Title, host Tamera Gaede sits down with returning guest Jason Esparza – “The Rook” – to break down the 4 must-have AI tools every REALTOR® should start using today to work smarter, market better, and close more deals.
 
Jason shares practical examples of how these tools save hours on CRM tasks, uncover real-time market insights, analyze MLS spreadsheets for pricing strategies, and create high-quality marketing content in minutes. You’ll learn:

• AI Studio by Google: the ultimate on-screen guide for mastering CRMs and Excel without endless tutorials.
• Perplexity: a real-time AI search engine to uncover neighborhood trends, demographics, and buyer interests for niche farming.
• Manus: the “data translator” that analyzes MLS exports to reveal pricing patterns, days-on-market trends, and even predicts emerging hot neighborhoods.
• ChatGPT & Claude: how to turn research into powerful copy for posts, reels, emails, and scripts—without relying on hallucinated data.

We also dive into negative prompts, prompt engineering made simple, voice-cloning with 11 Labs, and future-proofing your marketing workflow so you can spend less time learning tech and more time serving clients.
 
👉 If you’re ready to cut the overwhelm and finally leverage AI for lead generation, marketing consistency, and better client communication—this episode is your playbook.

⭐ Enjoy the show? Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the 🔔 to get new episodes every week, and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help other agents find the show!

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 101: 4 AI Tools Realtors Need
01:00 – Why AI Feels Overwhelming to Most Agents
02:15 – Conferences & The Explosion of 1,300+ AI Tools
04:10 – Tool #1: AI Studio by Google – Your On-Screen Assistant
06:20 – Top Realtor Use Case: Master Your CRM and Excel with AI
07:10 – Tool #2: Perplexity – Real-Time Search for Trends & Farming
09:00 – Using Perplexity to Target Luxury Markets and Mom Groups
10:00 – Tool #3: Manus – The Data Translator for MLS Insights
12:00 – Predictive Market Analysis & Pricing Strategies with Manus
13:20 – Tool #4: ChatGPT & Claude – Content & Copywriting Powerhouses
15:30 – Strengths & Weaknesses of ChatGPT (Hallucinations Explained)
18:15 – Prompt Engineering Simplified: Why Detailed Instructions Matter
20:30 – Avoiding Tone Drift & Using Negative Prompts Effectively
23:30 – Building Efficient AI Workflows for Emails and Marketing
26:00 – Cloning Your Voice & Video for Client Communication
28:10 – Introducing Claude for Long-Form Conversational Content
30:15 – Future of AI in Real Estate: Voice Notes and Hyper-Real Video
33:00 – How to Choose the Right AI Tool for Each Job
35:00 – AI Path for Creating High-Impact Reels & Posts
39:00 – 2 Big Goals for Agents: Efficiency & Cloning Yourself
42:00 – Most Common AI Requests from Realtors
43:30 – Special Giveaway: AI Decision Engine & Prompt Coach
44:50 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

Are mortgage rates really plummeting—or is it just media hype?

In this episode of The Closing Table with Lawyers Title (Ep. 103), host Tamera Gaede sits down with Aaron Bush, Senior Loan Officer at Fairway Home Mortgage, to cut through the noise around interest rates, the Federal Reserve, and the housing market.

Aaron shares insights from his 27+ years of experience in the mortgage industry, breaking down:

✅  Where rates started in 2025 and where they are now
✅  Why media headlines don’t always tell the full story
✅  What the Fed actually looks at when making rate decisions (jobs, inflation, and more)
✅  The psychological impact of rates starting with a “5”
✅  What buyers and sellers need to know to make smart moves right now
✅  How tools like Mortgage Coach can help buyers understand their true affordability

Whether you’re a real estate professional, a buyer, or a seller, this episode will help you understand what’s happening behind the scenes—and how it impacts your local market.

👉 If you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe for more real estate insights and leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform!

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction – Tamera welcomes listeners
01:00 Meet Aaron Bush – 27 years in mortgage lending
02:00 Where interest rates started vs. where they are now 
04:00 Should buyers feel urgency in today’s market?
06:00 The “magic number” of rates starting with a 5
08:00 How the Fed makes decisions (jobs & inflation)
10:00 Why employment data may be flawed
12:15 Key dates & reports to watch this fall
14:00 Why Fed cuts don’t directly equal mortgage rate drops
16:00 What’s happening inside the Fed – division and politics
18:00 Upcoming Fed meetings & predictions for more cuts
22:00 Do tariffs impact interest rates?
24:00 Bringing it back to the local market – what matters most
26:00 Explaining savings in dollars, not percentages
28:00 How Mortgage Coach helps buyers understand affordability
30:00 What lower rates mean for sellers & days on market
32:30 Creative seller strategies: rate buydowns & advertising
34:00 Conventional loan limits rising – what it means for buyers
35:30 Advice for realtors: stay educated on rates & the Fed
36:30 Closing thoughts & episode wrap-up