Care First, Close Second: Why Homebuyers Love Working with Realtor Tina Andrade
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in West Tennessee or North Mississippi, you don’t just need someone to open doors. You need someone who will treat your move like it’s happening to their family.
That’s exactly how Realtor Tina Andrade approaches her work. Based in Millington, Tennessee, just outside Memphis and home to Naval Support Activity Mid-South, a major U.S. Navy base with more than 6,500 personnel, she has spent nearly 26 years helping families, veterans, and investors find home across 22 counties in Tennessee and Mississippi.
This is Tina’s story—and what it’s like to work with a “care first, close second” Realtor.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-mdJWkRsU4Q
Or on your favorite podcast platform here: https://www.betweentwodoors.com/episodes/
From Property Manager to Trusted Guide
Tina didn’t stumble into real estate.
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She moved from Arkansas to Memphis in 1997 as a property manager.
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Bought her first home in 1999, just around the corner from the apartments she managed.
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In January 2000, she stepped into new-construction sales and never looked back.
Like many single parents, she was hoping real estate would offer both flexibility and income. But early on she realized something important: the more she focused on the commission, the less satisfied—and less successful—she was.
So she shifted her mindset. Instead of obsessing over the paycheck, she leaned into what matters most to her: faith, integrity, and taking care of people. That’s where “care first, close second” was born.
What “Care First, Close Second” Really Looks Like
“Care first, close second” isn’t a slogan on Tina’s business card—it’s how she makes daily decisions.
Here’s how that shows up when you work with her:
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She focuses on what’s best for you, even if it means less money or more work on her end.
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She treats every client “the way I’d want someone to treat my mama”—with respect, honesty, and patience.
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She’s not afraid to give a little to get a little if it protects your long-term interest.
For Tina, success isn’t just a closed file. It’s:
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A first-time buyer who feels confident signing their documents.
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A veteran who finally understands their VA benefits and uses them well.
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An investor who builds real, long-term wealth—not just a quick flip.
Over 26 years, that attitude has turned clients into friends, repeat buyers, and raving fans.
The Relationship Doesn’t End at the Closing Table
One of the biggest differences with Tina? She doesn’t disappear after you get the keys.
She tells every client:
“Closing doesn’t end our relationship—it ends the transaction.”
In real life, that means she’s there for:
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“Where’s the main water shut-off?”
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“Do you know a good plumber, electrician, or contractor?”
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“I just got this official-looking letter in the mail—do I really need to pay this?”
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“We’re thinking about changing flooring, doors, or fixtures. Who do you recommend?”
She also stays in touch consistently:
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Rotating phone calls, texts, emails, and mailers about every three months.
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Watching her clients’ lives unfold on social media—and actually engaging.
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Showing up to housewarmings, baby showers, wedding showers, and weddings when invited.
To Tina, those touches aren’t “marketing.” They’re how you treat people you genuinely care about.
Walking Families Through Emotional Estate Sales
Not every sale is exciting. Some are hard.
Tina is well known in her area for handling estate sales—properties tied to parents, grandparents, or long-held family homes. Those deals aren’t just numbers; they’re full of memories, grief, and complicated family dynamics.
Her approach:
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Move at the family’s pace, not the market’s.
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Be direct, but gentle, about what needs to be done to sell the home.
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Recognize that wallpaper, carpeting, or a doorframe with height marks from decades of kids growing up may carry huge emotional weight.
She told one story about an estate with 28 heirs. They found 27 quickly—but it took three months and a trip to North Carolina to track down the last one, convince them to sign, and finally close the chapter.
The buyer on that home? A family of veterans and teachers, first-time buyers. The house itself wasn’t the most expensive listing she’s handled—but it was one of the most meaningful.
That’s the kind of work you get when you work with someone who understands that a house isn’t just a house. It’s a home.
A Heart for Veterans and VA Buyers
Millington is home to Naval Support Activity Mid-South, a major Navy installation and personnel hub.
Tina has veterans in her family and a deep respect for those who serve. When she was invited about six years ago to help veterans in the Jackson, Tennessee area, it meant adding 14 more counties to her footprint. Her answer?
“For veterans, I’ll drive.”
She now regularly drives 1–1.5 hours across two states to help veterans and active-duty families buy with their VA benefit.
One of the biggest things she wishes veterans knew about VA loans:
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VA loans often allow no down payment, up to 100% of the home’s value, when you qualify and have entitlement. Benefits
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But that doesn’t mean “no money at all.”
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You’ll still see closing costs (often 3–5% of the loan amount), plus things like earnest money, home inspection, pest, well or septic inspections when applicable.
Tina sees a lot of veterans who are surprised or deflated when they hear they might still need a couple thousand dollars for inspections and up-front costs—even if the seller helps cover closing costs or the VA funding fee is rolled into the loan. That’s where teamwork matters.
Tina loves working with VA-savvy lenders (like me, Nate) who will:
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Sit down and do a full VA loan consultation.
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Break down total cash needed, not just the down payment.
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Equip her with clear numbers so she can negotiate confidently on behalf of veterans and their families.
When your lender and Realtor actually talk, it becomes a true homebuying team—not just two separate vendors.
Investors, Numbers, and Generational Wealth
On the other end of the spectrum from estates and emotional sales are investors.
For investors, it’s all about:
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After-repair values (ARV)
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Appreciation potential
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Long-term portfolio strategy
Tina works with investors across those 22 counties to help them:
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Identify solid rental and investment opportunities.
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Understand AVMs, RVMs, and comparable sales.
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Think beyond one purchase and toward generational wealth.
She’s very clear about her job:
“My job is to bring people home—and help investors build generational wealth.”
That’s not sales talk. That’s how she makes decisions day by day.
Meet the Team: Three Dynamic Women, One Mission
Tina doesn’t do all of this alone. She leads a three-woman team based out of Fast Track Realty:
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Tina Andrade – Team Lead
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Nearly 26 years in real estate
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Licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi
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Focused on families, veterans, estates, and investors
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Samantha Ward – Tennessee Broker
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Licensed broker in Tennessee
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Road warrior covering much of the Tennessee side of Tina’s 22-county footprint
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Strong on marketing and systems
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Amber McLeod – Realtor & Tina’s Daughter
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Joined the “family business” after years in title, admin, and transaction coordination
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Closed about eight transactions in her first six months as an agent
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Primarily serves Tipton County and the corridor from Memphis up toward Dyersburg and around Jackson
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It’s now a multi-generational real estate team—with experience, energy, and a shared “clients-first” mentality.
Why So Many People Are Moving to Tennessee (and Tina’s Corner of It)
If you’re considering a move, Tennessee has a lot going for it:
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No state income tax on wages, making it one of a small group of states where your paycheck avoids state income tax. Tax Foundation+1
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A relatively tax-friendly environment overall, with below-average property taxes compared to many states. Kiplinger+1
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In the Memphis area, cost of living runs roughly 10–13% below the national average, with housing often noticeably more affordable than many U.S. metros.
Then there’s location. From the greater Memphis/Millington area, within a day’s drive you can reach:
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Beaches like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in about 7 hours by car. Travelmath+2Trippy+2
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The Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg in roughly 5–6 hours.
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Hot Springs, AR; Branson, MO; Nashville; and multiple lakes and rivers for boating, floating, and fishing.
For families who love quick getaways, it’s a pretty ideal home base.
Food, Family, and the Way She Loves Her People
Outside of real estate, Tina is:
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A devoted wife, mom, and proud grandmother.
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A woman whose love language is food and time.
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Someone who treasures an annual week at the beach with her family.
If you invite her to a gathering, the dish people are secretly hoping she brings?
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Her from-scratch banana pudding (requested at almost every holiday), and
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A prime rib with roasted vegetables that will make you forget your diet on the spot.
That same heart shows up in her work. When you’re her client, you’re not a file number. You’re someone she fully intends to be cheering for—online and in person—for years.
Thinking About Buying, Selling, or Investing in Tennessee or North Mississippi?
If you’re moving to:
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Millington
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The greater Memphis area
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Surrounding West Tennessee counties
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North Mississippi just over the border
…and you want a Realtor who will:
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Treat you like family
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Tell you the truth, even when it’s hard
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Work at your pace, not hers
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Stand beside you before, during, and long after closing
Then you’ll want to talk to Tina Andrade and her team.
How to Reach Tina
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Cell: 901-502-0762
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Website: https://midsouthdreamhomes.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andradetina
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-andrade-realtor-12b980351
And when you’re ready to talk through loan options—especially if you’re a veteran looking to maximize your VA benefit—that’s where my team and I come in on the lending side. We’ll walk you through the numbers, so Tina can go to work confidently negotiating on your behalf.
About Between Two Doors
Between Two Doors is a podcast where I talk with Realtors about their journey, aiming to connect home buyers and sellers with agents on a more personal level. I ask "right brain" questions that go beyond transactions, focusing on the experiences, values, and passions that make these professionals great at what they do.
Listen to more episodes at: https://www.betweentwodoors.com
Sponsored by:
Premier Lending, Inc.
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