- 5 Things Every Real Estate Agent Should Know Before Closing with Olivia Bowdy
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:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
12m - Sep 1, 2026 - Building a Business on Service, Integrity, and Hard Work with Mike Lerch
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:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
Building Maintenance Specialist of Kentucky:
Mike 859-339-1161
Karie 859-339-1045
18m - Aug 18, 2026 - Financing Land, Country Homes, and New Construction with Kaitlyn Wiseman
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:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
Kaitlyn:
(3) Kaitlyn Wiseman | Facebook
21m - Aug 6, 2026 - Real Estate Horror Stories: The Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands with Michelle Conner
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:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
Michelle:
Michelle Conner - Real Estate Agent - CENTURY 21 Real Estate
18m - Jul 22, 2026 - Building Wealth with Purpose: Retirement Planning, Resilience & Financial Freedom with Daniel Prevett
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:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
Daniel Prevett:
Daniel Prevett — VP of Investments | Stirlingshire Investments
22m - Jul 7, 2026 - From the Mediterranean to Kentucky: How Red Haven Farm Became a Destination for Family, Food, and Community with Martin Caruana
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:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
Red Haven Farm:
22m - Jun 18, 2026 - From Restaurant Management to Real Estate: Tammy Mounsey’s Leap of Faith into Title
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:
20m - Jun 3, 2026 - Faith, Real Estate & Property Management: Building Forge Property Group with Derrick Simpson
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:
29m - May 19, 2026 - Cybersecurity, Smart Buildings & Business Tech: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know with Drew Meaux
In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Drew Meaux of ProTech IT Solutions to talk about the growing role technology plays in modern business and why ignoring cybersecurity can cost you far more than just downtime.
From buying commercial real estate to protecting sensitive customer data, Drew explains how outdated systems, weak passwords, unsecured Wi-Fi, and lack of planning leave businesses vulnerable every single day. The conversation covers everything from cyber threats and phishing scams to VPNs, building security systems, cloud backups, and smart technology upgrades for growing businesses.
Whether you’re a small business owner, property investor, medical office, law firm, or just someone trying to better protect your personal information, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to stay secure and avoid costly mistakes in today’s digital world.
Highlights
- Why buying or renovating a commercial building is the perfect time to upgrade your technology systems.
- How outdated wiring, networking, and tech layouts in older buildings can slow down business operations.
- The hidden dangers of sharing one Wi-Fi network between employees, tenants, and public guests.
- Why weak passwords and reusing the same password across multiple accounts creates major security risks.
- Phishing scams explained: fake toll texts, fake invoices, urgent emails, and how scammers trick people into clicking.
- The importance of keeping systems updated—and why ignoring software updates can leave businesses vulnerable.
- How VPNs add protection when working remotely or using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Why small businesses are often bigger cyberattack targets than people realize.
- Smart business security upgrades: camera systems, remote door access, cloud backups, and mobile monitoring.
- Drew explains why proactive IT planning is always cheaper and easier than dealing with a cyber disaster after it happens.
Links
Protech IT Solutions | information technology management company
(859) 516-4045
Sringdale Title Links:
37m - May 6, 2026 - Newly Married & Building a Future: Insurance, Money, and Real Talk for Young Couples with Joshua Williams
In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley welcomes back Joshua Williams, insurance agent with Kentucky Farm Bureau, for a conversation packed with real-life updates and practical advice.
Now newly married, Joshua shares what’s changed—from merging finances and planning for the future to navigating today’s challenging housing market. He breaks down why insurance becomes even more important after marriage, how to think about life insurance in a practical way, and what young couples should be doing right now to protect each other and build stability.
Ashley and Joshua also dive into the realities of buying a home in today’s market, offering honest insight into affordability, patience, and making smart financial decisions without unnecessary stress.
If you’re newly married (or heading that direction), this episode is full of grounded, real-world advice on how to plan wisely, communicate effectively, and build a strong financial foundation together.
Highlights
- Joshua shares his biggest life update: getting married and building a new life with his wife.
- Why keeping a wedding simple and stress-free can make the experience more meaningful.
- Key insurance changes after marriage—combining policies and updating coverage.
- The importance of life insurance when you now have a spouse depending on your income.
- How to calculate coverage: replacing income, covering debts, and protecting long-term stability.
- Why term life insurance often makes sense for young couples on a budget.
- The harsh reality of today’s housing market—high prices, high rates, and limited inventory.
- Smart strategy: delaying homeownership to improve finances, save for a down payment, and reduce stress.
- Financial planning tip: live below your means now to prepare for future goals like children and homeownership.
- Relationship advice: sit down together, align goals, communicate openly, and build your future as a team.
Links
Joshua Williams - Kentucky Farm Bureau (kyfb.com)
859-626-7725
Sringdale Title Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
28m - Apr 22, 2026 - FinCEN Chaos Explained: What the Latest Court Rulings Mean for Your Real Estate Closings
In this quick update episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Springdale Title COO Trevor Daugherty to break down the latest developments surrounding the FinCEN regulation and why things just got even more complicated.
Just weeks after the rule went into effect, conflicting federal court rulings have already thrown the industry into uncertainty. Ashley and Trevor explain what this means right now for buyers, investors, and anyone involved in real estate transactions.
While reporting requirements may be temporarily paused, data collection is still happening and for good reason. This episode gives you a clear, practical understanding of what’s changing, what’s not, and how Springdale Title is staying proactive to ensure your closings don’t get delayed.
If you’re buying property, especially through an entity, this is a must-listen update to stay ahead of the curve.
Highlights
- Recap of the FinCEN rule and its original March 1st implementation affecting real estate transactions.
- A lawsuit prior to March 1st failed to stop the rule from going into effect.
- A second lawsuit (March 20th) resulted in a federal court striking down the regulation—creating conflicting rulings.
- Why this legal conflict will likely escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Current reality: reporting requirements are paused, but data collection is still mandatory.
- Why title companies are continuing to collect FinCEN data to avoid last-minute closing delays.
- Who is affected most: buyers using entities like LLCs, trusts, or corporations.
- How post-closing transfers into entities can still trigger FinCEN requirements.
- Possible outcomes: the rule could return fully, come back modified, or be eliminated entirely.
- The key takeaway: expect continued requests for information and trust that it’s to keep your transaction smooth and compliant.
Links
Sringdale Title Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
7m - Apr 9, 2026 - From Setback to Startup: Chris Stansbury on Building a Restoration Company That Actually Cares
In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Chris Stansbury, Business Development Manager at First Response Restoration, to talk about turning an unexpected career setback into a thriving business.
Chris shares how being let go from his previous role led to the creation of First Response Restoration, how they built a “dream team” from day one, and why putting people—both employees and customers—first has fueled their rapid success. From water, fire, and mold remediation to some of the toughest real-life situations homeowners face, Chris gives an inside look at what restoration work really entails.
They also dive into entrepreneurship, taking risks, and why sometimes you don’t “jump”—you get pushed—and that’s exactly what you need. This episode is equal parts business insight and real-life perspective on doing the right thing, even when it’s not the most profitable choice.
Highlights
- Chris’s background: Kentucky native, former attorney, and now Business Development Manager at First Response Restoration.
- The turning point: being unexpectedly let go from a previous job and how that led to starting a restoration company.
- Building a “dream team” from day one by bringing in experienced leaders in operations, insurance, and field work.
- Rapid growth: hitting year-one goals that most restoration companies take four years to achieve.
- Core services explained: water, mold, and fire remediation—plus crawl space work, encapsulation, and biohazard cleanup.
- 24/7 emergency response and why fast action is critical when homeowners are dealing with major damage.
- What truly sets them apart: a people-first approach, from employee care to honest guidance for customers (even if it means less profit).
- Real-life stories: helping a 90-year-old homeowner navigate insurance and displacement coverage after a flood.
- The reality of restoration work: floods, sewage, hoarding situations, and biohazard cleanups that most people never see.
- Chris’s advice on career and risk: don’t stay comfortable—take chances, explore opportunities, and find work you actually enjoy.
Links
Sringdale Title Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
First Response Restoration
859-300-9532
26m - Mar 19, 2026 - From Paralegal to Title Pro: Christina Inskeep on Life Inside Real Estate Closings
In Episode 76 of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Springdale Title’s very own Christina Inskeep, a seasoned title agent in the Ashland, Kentucky office with decades of real estate experience.
Christina shares how she originally planned to become an attorney but “fell into” real estate—and never left. From starting as an abstractor to handling files from start to finish, she’s seen just about everything the title world has to offer. In this episode, she talks about the unpredictable nature of closings, emotional moments at the table, late-night deal deadlines, and why real estate can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Whether you’re curious about what title companies actually do or considering a career in the industry, this episode offers an honest look at life behind the closing table.
Highlights
- Christina’s career journey: from wanting to be an attorney to becoming a paralegal and eventually specializing in real estate.
- How she “fell into” real estate after taking her first paralegal job—and why it ended up being the perfect fit.
- Starting as an abstractor and learning title searches before moving into full-service title and closing work.
- Why no two days in real estate are ever the same—and how unpredictability keeps the job interesting.
- Christina’s favorite part of the process: building trust with clients and guiding them through their transactions.
- The craziest closing she’s experienced: working until 2–3 a.m. to meet a bankruptcy judge’s deadline on a multi-property deal.
- Emotional closings: handling short sales, divorces, nursing home signings, and sellers saying goodbye to longtime family homes.
- The joyful side of closings: milestone sales, celebratory transactions, and even doing closings for her own children.
- Why title work offers a unique mix of routine paperwork and people-focused interaction.
- Career advice for those exploring real estate: there’s a niche for every personality—from behind-the-scenes processors to front-facing closers.
Links
Sringdale Title Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
18m - Mar 3, 2026 - FinCEN’s New Real Estate Rule: What Every Investor & Title Client Must Know Before March 1
In Episode 75 of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down in person with Olivia Bowdy to break down a major new federal rule from FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) that will significantly impact residential real estate transactions.
Effective March 1, this rule targets money laundering in real estate and primarily affects entity buyers (LLCs, corporations, trusts) and certain cash or hard-money transactions. Ashley and Olivia explain who the rule applies to, what triggers reporting, why there’s no “loophole,” and what investors need to prepare for—including the collection of over 100 required data points and mandatory secure portal reporting.
If you’re an investor, use hard money lenders, or purchase property in an entity name, this episode is essential listening to avoid delays, fines, or serious penalties.
Highlights
- What FinCEN is and why this federal rule was created to combat money laundering in real estate transactions.
- Who the rule applies to: entity buyers (LLCs, corporations, trusts), cash purchases, and certain non-FDIC insured or hard money lenders.
- The March 1 effective date and why investors must be prepared for additional compliance requirements on every applicable transaction.
- No loopholes: transferring property into an entity after closing will still trigger reporting requirements.
- The seriousness of compliance: over 100 data points required per file, secure portal submissions, potential closing delays, and severe penalties—including major fines and federal prison—for violations.
Links
Sringdale Title Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
Link to FinCEN Class registration in Richmond
(7) FinCEN Updates: What Financial Professionals Need to Know for 2026 | Facebook
8m - Feb 18, 2026 - Estate Planning Isn’t Just for “Later”: Elder Law & Protecting Your Home with Curtis (William) Smallwood
In Episode 74 of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Curtis (William) Smallwood, owner of Smallwood Elder Law, to break down what most homeowners don’t think about when they’re buying property: estate planning. Curtis explains why planning matters at every age, especially when your home is your biggest asset and how the right documents can help families avoid probate, protect privacy, and prevent conflict when a loved one passes.
They also dive into elder law and Medicaid planning, including the realities of nursing home costs, Medicaid’s strict asset limits, the five-year lookback rule, and why irrevocable trusts can be powerful (but require giving up control). Curtis also explains why “just put the house in the kids’ names” can create big issues, especially around taxes and step-up in basis. This episode is an honest, practical guide to having the uncomfortable conversations now, so your family doesn’t have to later.
Highlights
- Curtis shares his background as a solo attorney for 12+ years, focusing on elder law and end-of-life planning, plus his advanced tax law degree (LLM).
- Why estate planning gets avoided: nobody wants to think about death, incapacity, or hard family conversations—until they have to.
- How planning can help homeowners avoid probate, which Curtis explains is often lengthy, expensive, and public.
- Why privacy matters: without planning, assets and estate details can become public record.
- Protecting your biggest asset: how estate planning ensures your home goes to who you choose, not just what state law dictates.
- Avoiding family drama: how clear documents reduce misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and conflict over “what mom/dad said they wanted.”
- Planning for incapacity: durable powers of attorney can allow someone to pay bills, manage assets, or even sell a home if you can’t.
- Medicaid & nursing home planning basics: the strict asset limits, what “spend down” means, and how fast nursing home costs add up.
- Irrevocable trusts explained: why they can protect assets from Medicaid after the five-year lookback, and why the grantor can’t be the trustee.
- The “just add the kids” option: Curtis explains concerns with life estates and gifting property—especially the potential loss of step-up in basis and increased capital gains taxes later.
Links
Sringdale Title Links:
19m - Feb 3, 2026 - Farm Girl to Design Pro: Interior Design Tips & Trends with Joanna Baker
In Episode 73 of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with her longtime friend Joanna Baker, an interior design consultant with a true farm-girl foundation and a designer’s eye. Joanna shares how her love for design started with classic TV shows and HGTV, what inspired her to earn a degree in interior design, and how homeowners can avoid the most common decorating pitfalls, especially after buying a new home.
From furniture sizing and paint palettes to staging advice for sellers, budget-friendly upgrades for first-time homeowners, and what trends might define 2026 (including the debated return of brass), this episode is packed with practical, relatable design wisdom that helps people turn a house into a home.
Highlights:
- Joanna’s background: growing up on a Berea farm, raising animals, and now raising her own family on a farm with horses and cows.
- What sparked her design passion: Designing Women, HGTV obsession, art classes, and eventually a Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in design.
- The most common “mistake” homeowners make: struggling to visualize the final look of a room before buying furniture or choosing finishes.
- A simple, genius tip: using painter’s tape to outline furniture size and wall décor placement before buying or hanging anything.
- How to create a color palette that flows: keep main spaces neutral, then add color through accents like pillows, throws, and art.
- Why neutral furniture wins long-term: trends change, but neutral pieces let you update style without replacing expensive items.
- How Joanna decides when to refresh her own home: seasonal resets, inspiration from Pinterest/Instagram, texture, and cozy vibes.
- The difference between decorating for yourself vs. staging to sell: buyers want clean, neutral, uncluttered spaces they can picture as their own.
- Budget-friendly upgrades for first-time homeowners: paint, trim/molding, board-and-batten, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and DIY with YouTube help.
- 2026 trend talk: modern farmhouse continues, more texture and mixed wood tones, patterns creeping back—and yes, possibly brass returning (cue Ashley’s protest).
Links:
Joanna Baker
Interior Design Consultant
Joanna_interiordesign@hotmail.com
Sringdale Title Links:
21m - Jan 20, 2026 - From Hospital Hallways to Helping Homeowners: Karie Lerch on Building a Family-Handyman Business
In Episode 72 of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Karie Lerch, co-owner of Building Maintenance Specialists of Kentucky, to talk about how she and her husband Mike made the leap from a stable hospital job into entrepreneurship during the COVID era. Karie shares how faith, family, and community connections helped their business take off, why working with their kids has become a generational blessing, and the wide range of “one call, all solutions” projects their team can tackle from flooring and drywall to plumbing, electrical repairs, and remodel work. They also discuss the real weight (and reward) of business ownership, future plans to grow the team, and encouragement for anyone thinking about starting a business later in life.
Highlights:
- Karie explains how Mike left his hospital job after years of commuting and dealing with bureaucracy to start their own business.
- How the COVID era pushed many families to rethink “normal life” and take bold steps toward entrepreneurship.
- The biggest benefits of business ownership for their family: no commute and the freedom to control their schedule.
- Why Building Maintenance Specialists has become a true family business, multiple kids have helped on jobs over time.
- The vision of passing the business down as a generational legacy, potentially with their son stepping into ownership.
- How homeschooling and hands-on work taught their kids practical skills, strong work ethic, and employability.
- The range of services Mike can handle: masonry, flooring, drywall repair, painting, bathroom remodels, tile, plumbing, and electrical repairs.
- Their “one call, all solutions” mindset if Mike doesn’t know how to do something, he’ll learn it and figure it out.
- Mike’s favorite part of the work: serving senior citizens and widows who need help the most.
- Karie’s advice to aspiring business owners: jump now, expect hard days, lean on community support (like BNI), and avoid future regret by trying.
Links:
Building Maintenance Specialist of Kentucky
859-339-1161
Sringdale Title Links:
16m - Jan 7, 2026 - Mortgage Headlines, Real Talk: Community Banks, 50-Year Loans & First-Time Buyer Advice with Scott Cole
In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Scott Cole, Regional Manager of TPO Bank Relationships at Canopy Mortgage, to break down what’s really happening in the mortgage world—without the fluff.
Scott shares his 29-year journey through the industry (including lessons from the subprime era), explains how Canopy helps community banks compete with big-box lenders, and gives clarity on recent hot-button headlines like 50-year mortgages and portable mortgages. They wrap with practical, grounded advice for younger buyers trying to become homeowners in today’s market—especially when affordability and debt ratios are the biggest hurdles.
Highlights
- Scott shares a personal intro: 30-year marriage, a son in college, and 29 years in the mortgage industry (plus a roofing company).
- How growing up in a family-run car dealership shaped his approach to business and customer service.
- Scott’s path from banking and finance into mortgages—and his candid reflections on the subprime mortgage era.
- Building and leading mortgage growth in Kentucky: opening branches, mentoring loan officers, and scaling a retail operation.
- What “TPO Bank Relationships” means—and how Canopy supports community banks without massive internal mortgage departments.
- Why tech matters: how Canopy’s loan origination system simplifies government loans like FHA, VA, and USDA for small banks.
- The big reason community banks want these options: keeping customers from walking down the street to larger banks.
- Ashley and Scott unpack the 50-year mortgage headline—why it’s being discussed, what problems it’s trying to solve, and why it may not become mainstream.
- Portable mortgages explained—and why bond markets, security gaps, and logistics make them unlikely.
- Scott’s best first-time buyer advice: save money even if you qualify for zero-down, because homeownership always comes with repairs and surprises.
Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-cole-a5b99a10
Sringdale Title Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
25m - Dec 17, 2025 - Motherhood, Mindset & Making It in Title: A Conversation with Kaitlyn Miller
In this heartfelt episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Kaitlyn Miller, one of Springdale Title’s rising title agents, to talk about life behind the scenes, both in the office and at home. Kaitlyn opens up about becoming a mom, learning an entirely new industry from scratch, and navigating the beautiful chaos of raising her son, Crew, while building a career she truly enjoys.
They dive into adjusting to the title world, finding confidence, juggling responsibilities, asking for help, and carving out space for personal goals even in the busiest seasons of life. If you’re a working parent, new to the real estate world, or just love a genuine conversation, this episode will feel like a warm hug.
Highlights
- Kaitlyn shares her story as a new mom and the unexpected surprise of Crew being born on her birthday.
- Navigating a huge learning curve entering the title industry with no prior exposure.
- How Springdale’s team support helped her gain confidence and learn through constant questions.
- Loving the fast-paced nature of title work and discovering she's built for the industry.
- Balancing work life with motherhood—managing nap times, phone calls, chaos, and caffeine.
- The shift from “survival mode” to building routines and finding her groove as Crew grows.
- The importance of not losing yourself and creating personal time, even in hectic seasons.
- Kaitlyn’s vision for the next few years: growing her skills, exploring marketing, and finding new strengths within the company.
- Honest talk about mom guilt, household chaos, and learning to embrace each season.
- The value of small goals, mindset, and remembering that everything is figure-outable.
Sringdale Title Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
29m - Dec 2, 2025 - Freedom, Hustle & Real Talk Marketing with Kyle Terry
In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with media and marketing entrepreneur Kyle Terry, owner of Freedom and Hustle. They dig into what it really looks like to build a creative business around family life, why recurring revenue beats one-off projects, and how small businesses can use simple, consistent content to actually get clients—not just likes.
They also wade into the hot topic of 50-year mortgages, the realities of commercial space for small businesses, and why “support small business” often doesn’t match the financial products owners really need. If you’re a realtor, small business owner, or just a curious entrepreneur brain, this episode is packed with honest, behind-the-scenes insight.
Highlights
- Kyle’s path from insurance and sales to going all-in on media and marketing.
- Why he dissolved multiple companies and rebranded everything under one focused brand: Freedom and Hustle.
- What Freedom and Hustle actually does: photo/video, social media content, and full podcast production for clients like Springdale Title.
- The difference between recurring vs reoccurring revenue and why recurring clients create stability for a media business.
- Why niche “all real estate” or “all legal” content doesn’t attract ideal clients—and why people really want to see the human behind the business.
- How entrepreneurship really works with kids: flexible schedule on paper, but often split between client work, school pickups, gym time, and late-night editing.
- The realities of a 50-year mortgage: smaller payments but dramatically more interest and slower equity, and how that could impact housing prices.
- The struggle for small businesses to find and afford commercial space, especially in areas where leasing is more expensive than buying.
- Creative options for business space, like rezoning residential properties for office use when traditional commercial options are too pricey.
- How Freedom and Hustle is expanding beyond real estate into fleets, chiropractors, and supplement brands, while pushing owners to invest in marketing that actually drives revenue not just image.
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/kylepterry/
https://www.instagram.com/freedomandhustle/
https://www.facebook.com/freedomandhustle/
Sringdale Title:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038
35m - Nov 18, 2025
