LIFTED

In this solo episode of the Lifted Podcast, traveling realtor Patrick Merrill gets vulnerable from the shores of a beautiful white-sand beach. He opens up about a terrifying personal journey with the medication Gabapentin, sharing how the severe side effects nearly destroyed his motivation, isolated him from loved ones, and tanked his real estate business.Patrick explains the subtle warning signs to look out for if you or a family member are taking this medication, how he successfully recognized the changes in his mental health, and how weaning off the drug brought his life and his business back to normal. Plus, he shares his ultimate mission for the Lifted podcast: finding the positive in every negative and having a reason to get up and enjoy life every single day. Can you guess which beach he's broadcasting from?🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Patrick Merrill (Solo Episode)Patrick Merrill is a "traveling realtor" serving clients across the beautiful coast from the Louisiana/Mississippi line all the way down to the Florida Keys. He is the host of the Lifted podcast, where he blends real estate insights with raw, real-life stories to motivate, inspire, and uplift his audience.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The Gabapentin Trap: The terrifying mental health side effects and loss of motivation that nobody talks about.✔️ Business Impact: How the wrong medication can silently kill your drive and dry up your real estate pipeline.✔️ Warning Signs: Why you need to actively monitor friends and family who start new prescriptions.✔️ The Comeback: How Patrick recognized the problem, got off the medication, and revitalized his business.✔️ The "Lifted" Mission: How to train your mind to find the positive in every negative situation.🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

Are you tired of the "recruit five, lose four" cycle? As a RealTrends Verified Top Agent, I, Patrick Merrill, know that the grind of building a brokerage can feel like raising a difficult child. That’s why I brought on Norma from Broker VMA—a specialist who has managed brokerage footprints across 48 states—to reveal how you can double your business value or exit with your legacy intact through smart acquisitions.In this episode, we dive into the "business behind the business" of real estate. Norma breaks down the exact valuation templates her team uses to help brokers in their 60s and 70s transition out of the daily burden while keeping their name on the door. Whether you’re a broker struggling to make profit in a low-transaction market or an entrepreneur looking to scale from 16 to 60 locations, you’ll learn the specific metrics that turn a $200,000 shop into a $400,000 asset.We also explore the "Recruiting through Acquisition" strategy, which allows you to bypass the painful one-by-one hiring process by rolling in established competitors. Norma explains how to keep your agents from jumping ship during an ownership change by adding value through international networks and lead-gen engines. If you’ve ever wondered what your life’s work is actually worth to a buyer, this conversation provides the third-party perspective you need to stop writing personal checks to fund your office and start building a meaningful exit.Live today for a better legacy tomorrow.🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Norma Rawlings, Broker VMANorma Rawlings is a leading expert in real estate brokerage valuations, mergers, and acquisitions at Broker VMA. She specializes in helping real estate brokers across the US and Canada grow their businesses through strategic acquisitions, accurately value their companies for succession planning, and successfully sell their brokerages while preserving their hard-earned legacies.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Recruiting Through Acquisition: Why buying a competitor is 10x more effective for scaling than traditional recruiting methods.✔️The Valuation Roadmap: The specific background check metrics that can increase your brokerage’s market value by $200,000+ in 18 months.✔️Legacy & Succession: How to sell your majority stake while keeping your name, culture, and management team in place.✔️The "Scale Trap": Why mid-sized brokerages (30-50 agents) are struggling right now and how to reach the profitable "scale zone."✔️The Ownership Transition: Proven ways to introduce a new owner to your agents so they see it as an upgrade, not a threat.✔️Market Resilience: How to navigate "low-transaction" environments and prepare your business to sell when you’re at the top of the cycle.🎙 Connect with Norma Rawlings:🌎 Website → https://brokervma.com/🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

In this episode of the Lifted Podcast, host Patrick Merrill sits down with Landon McCarty from Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation to discuss the ins and outs of securing a mortgage, especially if your financial situation isn't "textbook perfect."If you are one of the millions of self-employed Americans writing off your income to save on taxes, you might be shocked to find out you don't qualify for a traditional mortgage. Landon breaks down exactly how to use a "Non-Qualified Mortgage" (Non-QM) and 12 to 24 months of bank statements to get approved without ever showing your tax returns! They also discuss how to handle split-credit couples, why you should never buy a car before closing, and the incredible $10,000 down-payment assistance programs available in Mississippi. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical financing advice!🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Landon McCarty, Fairway Independent MortgageLandon McCarty is a mortgage loan officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage, bringing 15 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the home financing process. He specializes in working with first-time homebuyers, providing clear guidance, education, and personalized solutions to ensure a smooth and informed homebuying experience.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to fix your credit score and build a strategic "gumbo" of revolving debt✔️ What happens when one spouse has a 750 credit score and the other has a 620✔️ Why you should never buy a new car or open new credit lines while in escrow✔️ The massive benefits of the Mississippi Home Corporation's $10,000 down payment assistance program✔️ The "Self-Employed Trap": Why writing off your business expenses kills your chances of getting a traditional mortgage✔️ How to use Bank Statement Loans (Non-QM) to get approved for a home without showing your tax returns✔️ How new college grads and teachers can use an employment contract to get approved for a loan!🎙 Connect with Landon McCarty:🌎 Website → https://www.fairway.com/lo/landon-mccarty-716717📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Landon-McCarty-NMLS-716717/61552061699203/🔗 LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/landonmccarty-loanofficer🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

In this episode, host Patrick Merrill sits down with Jim, CEO of Ember Pro USA, to discuss the shocking realities of the California wildfire landscape and the ensuing homeowner’s insurance crisis.Jim breaks down the science behind how homes actually catch fire—hint: it’s not usually a wall of flames, but tiny flying embers—and how his company is providing eco-friendly, cutting-edge defense systems to protect properties. From navigating the state's "FAIR Plan" to explaining why 57% of luxury California homes are now being bought in cash, Jim shares insider knowledge on how homeowners can harden their homes, secure elusive insurance coverage, and achieve ultimate peace of mind.🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Jim, Ember Pro USAJim Sprouse is an entrepreneur with a degree in environmental studies and a certified wildfire mitigation specialist. He is the cofounder of Ember Pro, a company focused on helping protect homes from wildfire risk through mitigation strategies and defensible space planning.  💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The science of flying embers: Why direct flames aren't what destroys 95% of homes✔️ The reality of the California insurance crisis and the limitations of the "un-FAIR" plan✔️ How Ember Pro USA's exterior sprinkler systems create a defensible space around your home✔️ The environmental dangers of traditional aerial fire retardants (and safe, eco-friendly alternatives)✔️ Why 57% of luxury homes in California are now being purchased in cash✔️ DIY home hardening tips to protect your property immediately✔️ How the Watch Duty app can save your life with real-time evacuation notices🎙 Connect with Jim:📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/emberprousa/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/emberprousa🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

Host Patrick Merrill sits down with Joe Arnao from Forward Strategic Consulting to discuss how new and experienced real estate agents can find their footing and thrive in the industry. They cover why it’s critical for agents to interview brokerages, how to identify the lead-generation strategies that fit your personality, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive and productive office culture.Patrick shares his journey transitioning from a casino dealer to a real estate agent after Hurricane Katrina, while Joe explains how experienced agents can avoid burnout by doubling down on their unique strengths. Whether you love grinding out open houses, cold calling, or connecting at local events, this episode is packed with advice on how to build a business that works for you.🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Joe Arnao, Forward Strategic ConsultingJoe Arnao is the owner of 4W Strategic Consulting, where he provides coaching, training, recruiting, and placement services for real estate agents and brokerages. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, he has held leadership roles focused on agent development and brokerage growth, helping real estate professionals build sustainable and successful careers.💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ Why agents should be the ones interviewing brokerages (and what to look for)✔️ How to find the lead-generation strategies that fit your natural personality✔️ The "Walking Billboard" mindset: leveraging your daily life to spark real estate conversations✔️ Why open houses are a massive opportunity, especially in resort and vacation markets✔️ Crucial communication habits that separate top-producing agents from the rest✔️ Important warnings for first-time buyers (Don't buy a new car before closing!)✔️ How a simple 5-minute self-assessment tool can provide ultimate career clarity🎙 Connect with Joe Arnao:🌐 Website → https://www.4wstrategicconsulting.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/4WStrategicConsulting🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/joearnao1/🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

REALTOR® Patrick Merrill and his broker, Suzanne Mark, sit down on the back deck of a beautiful (soon-to-be-listed!) waterfront property in Moss Point, Mississippi, to talk about the unmatched lifestyle of the Gulf Coast.Surrounded by wildlife and passing boats, Patrick and Suzanne discuss why South Mississippi is no longer a "Secret Coast." They cover everything from the incredibly low cost of living and affordable waterfront properties to the ease of taking a boat straight out to the barrier islands. If you are thinking about relocating or retiring to a place with endless outdoor activities, great weather, and true Southern hospitality, this episode will show you exactly why the Mississippi Coast is the place to be.🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Suzanne Mark, Real Estate BrokerSuzanne Mark is a seasoned real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Smith Homes, bringing decades of experience and deep local roots to the Mississippi Gulf Coast market. A graduate of Ole Miss and Southern Miss with a degree in real estate and insurance, Suzanne has been navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape since 1988.💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ A sneak peek at a gorgeous, custom-built waterfront property in Moss Point✔️ How quickly you can get from a backyard boat launch to the blue waters of the Gulf✔️ The amazing affordability and low flood insurance rates of the Mississippi Coast✔️ Why South Mississippi is the perfect hub for day trips to New Orleans, Pensacola, and more✔️ The incredible outdoor lifestyle: Kayaking, boating, and exploring the barrier islands✔️ Why staying active and involved in the community is the secret to a great retirement🎙 Connect with Suzanne Mark:🌎 Website → http://www.suzannecmartin.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/suzannecmartinrealtor/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/suzannemartinrealtor/🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

Mississippi Gulf Coast REALTOR® Patrick Merrill talks with Ben, the founder of Future Proof, about how to protect your home from extreme weather and skyrocketing insurance premiums. Ben breaks down how his company's "Magic Window" app uses artificial intelligence to scan your home's vulnerabilities to hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.Patrick and Ben also explore how homeowners can tap into government grants and green funds to pay for structural upgrades, ensuring their homes survive the next big storm. From the serious realities of 60-year-old construction techniques to wild tangents about treasure hunting and building lasers for 80s rock bands, this episode is packed with vital information and incredible stories.🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Ben Gilliland, Founder of Future ProofBen Gilliland is the Founder and Chairman of Future Proof Property Intelligence, a public benefit company helping homeowners reduce climate risk and navigate the insurance crisis. With more than 55 years of experience across engineering, software, and finance, he has developed patented technologies including disaster-resistant construction solutions. He also co-founded The Paulele Housing Association in Hawaiʻi to advance climate-resilient housing.💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ How the free "Magic Window" app uses AI to score your home's disaster risk✔️ Why insurance companies are dropping coverage in entire zip codes (and how to stop them)✔️ How to access government grants and tokenized "green funds" to pay for home upgrades✔️ The terrifying reality of facing modern storms with 75-year-old construction tech✔️ How Future Proof's "Comfort Bot" helps you make calm, data-driven evacuation decisions✔️ The surprising psychology of casinos and why talking to strangers wards off dementia🎙 Connect with Ben Gilliland & Future Proof:🌎 Website → https://futureproof.org/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-gilliland-ba8978290/🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

Mississippi Gulf Coast REALTOR® Patrick Merrill talks with Brad, the owner of Venice Beach-based Open Air Homes, about how to thrive in the modern short-term and mid-term rental market. Brad explains why the industry is entirely driven by 5-star reviews, and why homes that focus on a complete, comfortable guest experience enjoy 90% occupancy while others struggle at 20%.They also dive into the operational side of property management, discussing why Brad's team turns off "Instant Book" to prevent parties, how they manage properties for owners who only travel a few months a year, and the reality of investing in California real estate today. Finally, Brad shares a brilliant, highly practical guide on how anyone can start a property management company today using AI tools like Claude to build a top-tier website.🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Brad, Owner of Open Air HomesBrad Greiner is the Chief Executive Officer of Open Air Homes, a California-based property management company specializing in the professional management of residential rental properties. As CEO, he leads the company’s strategic growth, operations, and client relationships, overseeing portfolios that focus on maximizing asset performance while delivering high-quality experiences for both owners and residents.💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ Why cutting corners on the guest experience will tank your search ranking✔️ The massive benefits of catering to 10+ day stays instead of weekenders✔️ How to safely monetize your primary residence while traveling or living abroad✔️ The best investment strategy for multifamily units in strict rental markets✔️ Why you should immediately turn off "Instant Book" to prevent party risks✔️ How to use AI (Claude Code) to build a premium property management website and launch your business✔️ Why buyers are purchasing their future retirement homes now to rent out🎙 Connect with Brad Greiner:📘 Facebook → https://facebook.com/openairhomes📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/openairhomes/?hl=en🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

Mississippi Gulf Coast REALTOR® Patrick Merrill talks with GMFS Mortgage Loan Officer Jeremy Brown about the realities of buying a home in 2026. They discuss why waiting for interest rates to drop can actually cause you to pay more for a house, how to strategically refinance, and why you should never let a low interest rate keep you trapped in a home you no longer love.Jeremy also breaks down the specific requirements for FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans, explaining how the condition of the house dictates the type of loan you can get. Plus, they share critical advice for young buyers on understanding credit, debt-to-income ratios, and the difference between "good debt" and "bad debt."🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill🎤 Featuring: Jeremy Brown, Loan Officer at GMFS MortgageJeremy Brown is a mortgage broker and Loan Officer with GMFS Mortgage in the Mobile, Alabama area, helping homebuyers navigate financing with clarity and support. He brings more than 20 years of real estate and lending experience, working with a lender that has served over 150,000 homeowners across multiple states and offers a wide range of financing solutions.💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ How lenders can advertise 5.99% rates (and who is actually paying for those "discount points")✔️ The exact down payment requirements for Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans✔️ Why a 0% down USDA loan requires the house to be in near-perfect condition✔️ The "Refinance Strategy": Why buying now at 6% beats waiting for a 5% rate✔️ Why you shouldn't open new credit cards or buy a car while under contract✔️ Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: How to use leverage to build wealth instead of drowning in bills✔️ The difference between a soft credit pull and a hard credit pull🎙 Connect with Jeremy Brown:🌎 Website → https://gmfsmortgage.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/GMFSMortgage🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/gmfs-mortgage🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

Welcome to the very first episode! Mississippi Gulf Coast REALTOR® Patrick Merrill is officially launching his brand-new podcast. Dropping weekly starting March 11, 2026, this show is all about bringing a much-needed dose of positivity to your feed. Sick of the negative news cycle? Patrick is here to help you get "lifted."In this quick intro, Patrick shares what to expect in upcoming episodes—including interviews with appraisers, lenders, and home inspectors—and why he believes the lost art of customer service and face-to-face connection is more important than ever in a world glued to smartphones.🎧 Hosted by: Patrick MerrillPatrick Merrill is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, licensed in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Known for his upbeat energy and dedication to top-tier customer service, Patrick is passionate about educating buyers and sellers while spreading positivity along the beautiful Gulf Coast.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ What to expect from this brand-new weekly podcast (launching 3/11/26!)✔️ Why Patrick is prioritizing positive stories over the negative news cycle✔️ A sneak peek at the real estate experts joining future episodes✔️ Why old-school customer service matters more than ever in a smartphone-obsessed world✔️ How the lack of face-to-face communication is fueling modern real estate scams✔️ A quick tease of a beautiful new property listing in Vancleave, MS🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

Lifted is where real estate, leadership, and real life come together. Hosted by Patrick Merrill, this podcast goes beyond transactions to explore personal growth, purpose, and the kind of impact that lasts longer than any deal.Patrick brings on realtors from all walks of life, along with industry partners and people with stories worth sharing. No hype, no shortcuts - just honest insight, perspective, and encouragement for wherever you are in your journey.