Enlightening a packed house of more than 110 attendees on Valentine’s Day, Christie Wilson had everyone’s attention while discussing two polarizing topics: faith and real estate.

Depending on where one is in their relationship with either, faith and real estate can be joyous topics that bring about stories of success and happiness, or they can illicit horror stories of mishaps, misunderstandings and frustration.

The native Nashvillian is an alumna of St. Henry School and Father Ryan High School, where she says she was shaped not only religiously, but educationally. “I love to read,” she said, speaking of one of her favorite hobbies. “I thank St. Henry and Father Ryan for instilling this love in me.”

She credits her faith with allowing her to remain driven and optimistic. “I tell myself that I get to go to work or a meeting, not that I have to. I pray ‘Lord let me get done today what You want me to get done today.’ And I say it as I go to bed to say thank you. It makes such a difference in my outlook.”

The President of The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, Wilson says that while there are challenges with the Nashville real estate market, particularly that the sub-$300,000 inventory in Nashville-proper is barely existent, that the economy and market overall is strong.

“It’s become a lot more difficult for full-time home buyers,” says Wilson, “but overall, Nashville still possesses many qualities that make it a great place to live.”