In this episode of Wise Move, host Meredith Buckland talks with Riley Cartwright about the lessons he learned selling his first home and moving into new construction. Riley shares how he and his wife handled market slowdowns, financial stress, and tough decisions while preparing for a growing family. From staging and timing to budgeting and design priorities, Riley’s story highlights how to navigate uncertainty, balance emotions, and still come out with a dream home.

🎧 Hosted by: Meredith Buckland

👤 Guest:🖋 Riley Cartwright – Homeowner & First-Time Seller/Builder

⭐ Guest Bio:Riley Cartwright, originally from Indiana, earned his undergraduate degree from Florida Southern College with a double major in Economics & Finance and Business Administration, graduating a semester early with magna cum laude honors. He went on to complete his MBA while working full-time, again graduating magna cum laude.

He has built his career at Auto-Owners Insurance, starting in Florida with auto claims and advancing to high-exposure general liability and property claims. Now based in Georgia, Riley manages the state’s bodily injury team, overseeing all injury-related auto claims.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Selling a first home in a slowing market

✔️ Managing stress and uncertainty as a family

✔️ Staging, prepping, and timing the sale

✔️ Prioritizing upgrades and budgeting for new construction

✔️ Lessons for first-time sellers and buyers

📇 Connect with Riley Cartwright:

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileycartwright

🎙 Follow Meredith Buckland – Wise Move:

🌎 Website → https://www.meredithbuckland.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithbuckland/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate -https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of Wise Move, host Meredith Buckland sits down with Walt Anderson, senior principal lead at Chick-fil-A and a longtime friend and client, to reflect on a decade-long homeownership journey. From buying during an uncertain market to choosing the right school district and building lasting community ties, Walt shares lessons in patience, planning, and purpose. Whether you're buying your first home or thinking about what’s next, this episode offers grounded, thoughtful advice for making the right move at the right time.

🎧 Hosted by: Meredith Buckland

👤 Guest:🏡 Walt Anderson – Senior Principal Lead | Chick-fil-A

⭐ Guest Bio: Walt Anderson serves as the Sr. Principal Lead for Company Operated Restaurants in Field Operations at Chick-fil-A, Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia. Walt plays a pivotal role in supporting transitioning restaurants and mentoring future leaders within the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program. His leadership style, dedication to community, and hands-on support during critical phases of the business reflect the core values of Chick-fil-A. As a recent homebuyer and proud resident of a vibrant local community, Walt brings a unique blend of business insight and personal perspective to the podcast.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Buying with long-term value in mind

✔️ Why schools matter—even if you don’t need them now

✔️ Choosing community over cosmetics

✔️ When to buy, when to wait—and how to plan wisely

✔️ What it really means to feel “at home”

📇 Connect with Walt Anderson:

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanderson1980/

🎙 Follow Meredith Buckland – Wise Move:

🌎 Website → https://www.meredithbuckland.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithbuckland/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate -https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of Wise Move, host Meredith Buckland sits down with Atlanta agent Mike Lacy to talk about what buyers and sellers truly need in a changing market. From managing emotion in negotiations to guiding clients through uncertainty, Mike shares how professionalism, preparation, and a collaborative mindset lead to better deals and smoother closings. Learn why expert representation matters more than ever—and how real estate agents can elevate the client experience with service and strategy.

🎧 Hosted by: Meredith Buckland👤 Guest:🏡 Mike Lacy – Realtor | Atlanta, GA

⭐ Guest Bio:

Mike Lacy is a seasoned real estate professional with Compass, specializing in residential properties, investment opportunities, and luxury homes in the Atlanta area. With over 25 years of experience, Mike combines his deep local knowledge and expertise as a real estate investor to guide clients through buying, selling, and investing in real estate. Known for his professionalism and exceptional client service, Mike ensures a smooth and successful transaction process for every client.

💡 Key Topics Covered:✔️ Managing buyer fear and seller expectations✔️ Building trust through clarity, not hype✔️ Agent collaboration that helps deals succeed✔️ The true cost of poor representation✔️ Lessons from high-stakes client negotiations

📇 Connect with Mike Lacy:📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/realmikelacy/🔗 Website → https://www.compass.com/agents/mike-lacy/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/mike.lacy.7/

🎙 Follow Meredith Buckland – Wise Move:🌎 Website → https://www.meredithbuckland.com/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithbuckland/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate -https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of Wise Move, host Meredith Buckland talks with Chick-fil-A operator Zack Price about moving cross-country with a business, a family, and a mission. Zack shares how faith, planning, and a powerful support team helped him open a new store in Georgia while finding the right home—sight unseen. From managing timelines to trusting the process, this conversation explores how big transitions can bring big blessings.

🎧 Hosted by: Meredith Buckland

👤 Guest:🍗 Zack Price – Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator | Centerville Hwy, Snellville, GA

Zack Price – Zack is a dynamic Owner/Operator of multiple Chick-fil-A locations, including the newly opened Centerville Hwy & Zoar Church Road location in Snellville, GA. Since joining Chick-fil-A in 2012, Zack has built a career focused on business leadership, operational excellence, and team development—while staying deeply connected to the communities he serves. He’s passionate about customer service, simplifying business processes, and empowering those around him to lead well. His work has taken him across the country and back to Georgia, where he continues to grow businesses with purpose.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ How to manage a family move and business transition

✔️ Buying a home from out of state

✔️ The importance of faith and support systems

✔️ Aligning schools, commutes, and life priorities

✔️ Building a purpose-driven community through Chick-fil-A

📇 Connect with Zack Price:

🌎 Website → http://cooperconnect.co/operators/zack-price/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pricezack

🎙 Follow Meredith Buckland – Wise Move:

🌎 Website → https://www.meredithbuckland.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithbuckland/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/
🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate -https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of Wise Move, host Meredith Buckland sits down with longtime Atlanta realtor Stephanie Purrington to discuss the power of collaboration, communication, and experience in today’s shifting real estate market. From saving a deal in crisis to navigating inspections, insurance, and first-time buyers, this episode highlights the value of seasoned agents who serve with strategy and heart. Learn how great agents protect their clients—before, during, and after the sale.

🎧 Hosted by: Meredith Buckland

👤 Guest:🏡 Stephanie Purrington – Realtor | Keller Williams InTown Atlanta

Stephanie Purrington is a seasoned Atlanta real estate professional with over 21 years of experience helping clients buy, sell, and invest in homes across the metro area. As the founder of Purrington Homes at Keller Williams Intown Atlanta, she has guided countless families and investors through smooth, successful transactions. Known for her market knowledge, eye for staging, and client-first approach, Stephanie delivers 5-star service from first-time buyers to downsizing seniors and luxury sellers. Her resilience, expertise, and dedication have earned her the trust of repeat clients who consider her their realtor for life.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Saving a deal with three linked closings

✔️ What every seller should fix before listing

✔️ Helping buyers avoid common inspection fears

✔️ Communicating with calm through crisis

✔️ Agent advice for navigating a post-boom market

📇 Connect with Stephanie Purrington:

🌐 Website → https://purringtonhomes.kw.com/

📷 Instagram → https://instagram.com/purringtonhomes

🎙 Follow Meredith Buckland – Wise Move:

🌎 Website → https://www.meredithbuckland.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithbuckland/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate -https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of Wise Move, host Meredith Buckland chats with Atlanta-based realtor and investor Mike Lacy about building long-term wealth through house hacking, smart financing, and a game-like approach to investing. From buying duplexes in his 20s to managing flips and growing a real estate business, Mike reveals how strategy and patience can lead to financial freedom. Learn how he scaled without pressure—and why your first deal is the key to everything.

🎧 Hosted by: Meredith Buckland

👤 Guest:🏡 Mike Lacy – Realtor & Real Estate Investor

Mike Lacy — Mike Lacy is a top-producing REALTOR® and real estate investor based in Atlanta, celebrated for turning strategic insight into tangible wealth-building results. With a background in Economics from the University of Georgia, Mike has amassed over $1 million in real estate assets through house hacking, rentals, and flips. He’s consistently ranked among Atlanta’s top agents and was named a 2024 ARA Top Producer. Known for his data-driven, client-first approach, Mike empowers first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike with practical strategies, coaching, and negotiation skills that deliver real results. His mission is simple: help others build and protect wealth through real estate.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Breaking down house hacking in simple terms

✔️ How to buy smart with little money down

✔️ Real estate ROI: how Mike runs the numbers

✔️ “House stacking” your way to financial independence

✔️ Advice for first-time homebuyers and investors

📇 Connect with Mike Lacy:

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/realmikelacy

🌎 Website → https://www.compass.com/agents/mike-lacy/

🎙 Follow Meredith Buckland – Wise Move:

🌎 Website → https://www.meredithbuckland.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithbuckland/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/meredithbucklandrealtor/

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate -https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Wise Move – Real Estate, Real Life, Real Wisdom. Hosted by expert Meredith Buckland, this podcast is your guide to navigating real estate with confidence. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Meredith shares insights, trends, and expert advice to help you make smart decisions. Featuring agents, lenders, inspectors, and clients, episodes cover buying, selling, investing, and community topics that impact home value. Focused on Atlanta and beyond, Wise Move delivers real tips and real wisdom.