As Summer comes to a close, I am excited to welcome the cooler mornings, the beautiful evening skies, my children’s excitement of “back to school,” and the  beginning of football season. It is also an exciting time for our annual Real Estate & Home issue and the opportunity to have Mr. Marty Warren as our A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN IS guest. I remember it like it was yesterday, though it was years ago, the first time I had the pleasure of meeting Marty. I recall a contagious smile, larger-than-life personality and an amazing bow tie. As with many of our guests, Marty exudes the definition of a Southern Gentleman. Caring, giving, humble and wise. He also knows a thing or two about Real Estate. I had to ask a few questions and learn more from and about Marty.

What does being a Southern Gentleman mean to you?

It means being committed to loving and caring deeply for your family. It also means treating everyone you encounter with respect and showing kindness to others in every aspect of life. Additionally, a Southern Gentleman contributes to the betterment of his community through delivery of the best in his daily business activities, and through his support of his chosen community events and interests.

How do you incorporate these qualities into your everyday life?

Through a dynamic, personal and business relationship with my wife, Nancy, with whom I have worked side by side over the past thirty-eight years, and with our daughter, Wendy, her husband, Doug, and my only grandchild, Mary Wallis Bradley. My family is the key to my success and happiness. I am so thankful for all of them. Professionally, it means a total commitment to each client and working toward ensuring they have the best journey possible in purchasing or selling a residential property.

Were there any specific influences or role models who shaped your view of what it means to be a Southern Gentleman?

In the small town where I was reared, there was a gentleman named Roper Fields. Mr. Fields owned a general insurance agency in town whose office was located on one of the major streets. I can see Mr. Fields now, appearing in his suit and tie as he walked down the street. He was well respected and thought highly of by everyone in town. He was successful, enjoyed a strong family relationship, and contributed to the community with involvement in his church throughout his lifetime. 

How long have you been in real estate, and what inspired you to do so? 

This is the thirty-eighth year of my residential real estate career. When friends of Nancy and mine would move to Greater Nashville, those friends would always say, “call Marty or Nancy, they know all of the neighborhoods and can share a wealth of knowledge about each.” We would always be kind and helpful and share our information with friends about those neighborhoods we liked so much. What inspired us? Our love for residential property and the fun and excitement each move to a new home brought to us. 

How has the real estate market changed since you began?

How long do you have? Technology arrived! In 1990, Realtors received a large, printed book (Our MLS Book) every two weeks, listing existing homes for sale in our area. As of that year, there was no MLS (Realtracs) available online. No email. No text messaging. Only if you were fortunate, you owned a very large cell phone. If you were the buyer’s agent, you would phone the seller’s agent to obtain permission to show the property. The introduction of the internet advanced the instant availability of information relative to all things associated with homes for sale to everyone. 

What are the key things to look for when buying a new home, and what challenges are there for new first-time home buyers?

The key item is location. Always will be. Following that would be potential resale, quality of construction, reputation of the builder, and, very important, the question, “Will you be happy coming home here every day in the coming years?” Challenges are, as of this date, limited inventory and higher interest rates.

What advice would you give to your younger self or to today’s younger generation to help them reach their potential and be the best they can be, both in life and in business?

Always carve out the hours needed in each day to be with your family. Have a plan and stick to it. Surround yourself with associates and mentors who prompt you to improve and become more successful. Strive for that award of  “BEST ALL AROUND” in all that you do. Treat your clients with respect and place more emphasis on personal communication, rather than relying exclusively on emails and text messaging.

Do you feel that attire makes a difference for a Gentleman in their everyday, as well as on special occasions?

Definitely, often, I receive random compliments from others on how I dress. This particularly happens to both Nancy and to me when we are together. I believe the way you dress reflects greatly how you want to project yourself to others. I know and understand we live in a very casual world; however, I see a shift back to more professional dress standards. And, yes, always look your best at special occasions with a great jacket, suit and tie. And purchase a navy suit and a black suit.

What are your hobbies, activities and favorite pastimes?

Several days a week, you will find me at Fit2 in Westhaven working through a fifty-minute or so exercise program or walking in my community of Westhaven (always with Nancy). I enjoy biking along 30A when at the beach at our small cottage (always with Nancy here too)! TRAVEL! Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, the Adriatic, the Mediterranean, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Bali and Lombok in Indonesia, and Hawaii are all wonderful places I have enjoyed. 

Tell us about your philanthropic endeavors and why you feel it is important to give back.

Giving provides a boomerang effect. Seeing the good that your gifts bring to others makes your heart happy! My major support goes to our wonderful local theater company, StudioTenn. Additional support goes to Franklin First United Methodist Church and to Point Washington United Methodist Church, both of which bring and provide so many great programs for each of their respective communities.